Trustee volunteer volunteer roles

Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading youth charity specialising in enterprise and financial education. Our vision is that every young person, regardless of their background, is given the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to thrive in work and life.

Since our founding, we have supported 7.2 million young people through enterprise and financial education programmes, including 1.1 million who have started Young Enterprise businesses. As a founding member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, we are part of a global network spanning more than 100 countries, preparing young people for success in a global economy.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to become Chair of our Board of Trustees at a pivotal point in our journey. This is a highly influential role, offering the opportunity to lead our Board, support our CEO and senior leadership team, and champion our ambitious 2024–2030 Transforming Futures strategy.

This strategy aims to ensure that every young person has access to the financial education, enterprise capability, and work readiness they need to succeed, while deepening our impact on those facing the greatest barriers.

We are looking for a strategic and well-connected leader who can:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing, diverse Board of Trustees

• Strengthen relationships with government, policy makers, funders, and corporate partners

• Support fundraising and advocacy through strategic introductions and influence

• Ensure excellence in governance, safeguarding, compliance, and financial sustainability

• Act as a visible ambassador for Young Enterprise nationally and internationally

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who bring:

• Significant leadership experience at Board or executive level in charity, corporate, or public sectors

• A strong personal commitment to improving life chances for young people

• Credibility and networks among senior decision makers, funders, or policy influencers

• Strategic leadership and governance expertise

• Experience in fundraising, public affairs, or policy advocacy (desirable)

• An interest in education, youth development, enterprise, or social mobility

Above all, we are seeking someone who shares our vision and values and is passionate about helping young people, particularly those facing the greatest barriers, build successful futures.

The successful candidate will chair six Board meetings per year (primarily London-based), participate in events, visits, and stakeholder engagement, and commit approximately 1–2 days per month. This is an unpaid role, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The initial appointment is for three years, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional term of three years.

Young Enterprise is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds reflect the diverse communities and young people we serve across the UK.

Keeping Young People Safe

We are committed to keeping young people safe. All successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS (England & Wales) check and receive safeguarding training.

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful candidates will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply:

Please refer to our information pack for full details.

If you would like to play a transformational role in shaping the futures of young people across the UK, please send:

• An up-to-date CV (PDF format)

• A supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the role, based on the essential criteria in the person specification

Applications should be received by 23:30 on 21 June 2026. Interviews will be held between 29 June and 3 July 2026.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to review Young Enterprise’s Annual Report & Accounts and Transforming Futures Strategy.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us at this exciting moment and help empower the next generation to succeed.

Join Our Board of Trustees

Afrocats is looking to expand its Board of Trustees. With an established Board already in place, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth and seeking additional Trustees to help shape our future direction. 

Afrocats is an award-winning charity that champions creativity, wellbeing, and cultural belonging. Our work supports communities through creative expression, participation, and inclusive cultural experiences. As we expand our reach and impact, we are strengthening our Board to ensure we remain ambitious, sustainable, and community-led.

This is a meaningful opportunity to play a key role in the governance and strategic development of a growing organisation that centres equity, lived experience, and creativity.

 Who we are looking for:

Fundraising and Income Generation

We are looking for someone with experience in fundraising, bid writing, or income generation. You will support the development of long term funding strategies, major grant applications, and sustainable income growth.

Marketing and Corporate Engagement

We are looking for someone with experience in marketing or business engagement. You will help raise our profile, strengthen our brand, and develop meaningful partnerships with businesses and corporate supporters.

Philanthropy and Relationship Building

We are looking for someone with experience in philanthropy, fundraising networks, or relationship management. You will help us connect with donors, foundations, and individuals who can support our long term impact.

Volunteer Management

We are looking for someone with experience in volunteer coordination or management. You will help us develop inclusive, safe, and supportive volunteer systems as the organisation grows.

Finance and Accounting

We are looking for a qualified finance professional, ideally a chartered accountant. You will support financial oversight, planning, reporting, and long term financial sustainability.

What you will do as a Trustee

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of Afrocats and ensure we remain financially sustainable, well governed, and aligned with our mission. You will contribute to decision making at Board level, support risk and compliance oversight, and help ensure our work continues to centre creativity, wellbeing, and community impact.

You will also act as an ambassador for Afrocats, helping to champion our work and values across your networks and beyond.

Why join Afrocats

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing and forward thinking charity at a pivotal moment in its journey.

You will have the opportunity to shape strategy and influence long term direction, while supporting a mission driven organisation making a real difference in communities. You will develop your skills in a Board setting, expand your professional network, and contribute to work that centres inclusion, creativity, and social impact.

We are a welcoming and inclusive organisation and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

Rolling interviews will take place until Friday 19th June 2026 

Do you have the experience and the drive to create change that aims to improve understanding, diagnosis and support for Endometriosis? 

This is an exciting time to join the Endometriosis UK trustee board, as the organisation expands and develops to achieve the changes that are needed to support those affected by the disease and to drive down diagnosis time. With trustees coming to the end of their time on the Board, we are looking for a Treasurer and two further Trustees to build on this momentum to strengthen our organisation and bring about change for those with endometriosis. We have a skills-based board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, with the overall membership of the Board providing the complete set of skills.

Endometriosis impacts on the physical and mental health of 10% of women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, from puberty to menopause - although the impact can be felt for life. Yet it’s a disease most people have never heard of, do not understand and the cause is not known. It costs the UK economy around £11 billion every year in healthcare costs, loss of work and treatments and yet it isn’t recognised by most employers. As the UK’s leading charity for all those affected by endometriosis, we’re determined to change this and ensure that everyone gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support.

We’ve big ambitions in our strategy, focused on supporting those with endometriosis, driving down diagnosis times, campaigning for improved treatments and access to services, raising awareness, and leveraging more money into research. We place people with endometriosis at the heart of all we do, and with an average time to get a diagnosis of over 9 years, the cause of the disease unknown and no cure, there is so much more they need and want. If we get our work right, we really can make a difference to the 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK – and all those diagnosed in the future.

The pandemic had a major knock-on effect to the treatment and management of endometriosis. Cancelled surgeries and appointments left those with endometriosis unable to access treatments and support or get a diagnosis. We have a big job to do, increasing the support we provide, reaching everyone affected by endometriosis and ensuring they get the support they need. Despite being small we’ve achieved a lot. But there is so much more we want to do.

1. Treasurer

We are currently recruiting for a Treasurer to join our friendly, dynamic, experienced and effective Board of Trustees. Trustees are recruited based on their skills and experience, and for this role we are particularly seeking someone who can bring strong financial expertise and strategic insight to the Board.

In addition to the Treasurer role listed above, we are also looking for two additional new Trustees to join our board. 

2. Young Trustee

• Recent personal experience of the impact of living with endometriosis whilst at school
• Ability to bring insight and perspective about the experiences of a wide range of younger people living with endometriosis, including diagnosis
  May 2026
• Willingness to take on an advocacy role and to share your story in the media and in other ways to support Endometriosis UK’s campaigning and communications work
• Please note that legally trustees must be over the age of 18 in England and that we will provide support to young trustees who are new to trusteeship.

3. Endometriosis UK Trustee

• Personal or professional experience of diversity and inclusion issues
• Currently living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
• Charity Trustee experience
• Charity Senior Management experience
• HR expertise
• NED experience
• Experience of grant making / philanthropy

Closing date for applications – 9th June 2026

Interviews will be held in June/July, with initial interviews being held virtually on request, carried out by a small panel of trustees.

The role will start at a Board meeting on 28th November 2026, when our current trustees reach the end of their 6-year term of office. Prior to the roles starting, incoming Trustees will have the opportunity to observe a Board meeting in September, and induction will be planned in October.

Join our Trustee board and help inspire, support and empower people to move against cancer - because movement matters.

We are currently seeking new trustees to join our board and are especially keen to welcome individuals with expertise in the following areas:
• Fundraising and income generation
• Organisational growth, strategy and business development
• HR policy, people management and employment law
• Marketing and communications
• Diversity and inclusion

We also welcome applications from individuals with other relevant skills and experience. If you are passionate about our mission and want to contribute, we encourage you to apply.

As a Trustee of Nottinghamshire Hospice, you will play a vital leadership role in shaping the future of our hospice. This is an opportunity to contribute to an established Board of Trustees who are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Hospice. 

You will use your skills and experience to guide the future of the hospice, safeguard its resources and champion a culture shaped by Compassion, Trust, and Ambition. 

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.

Looking to Make a Difference? Join Where Next as a Board Trustee!

Are you a passionate professional who wants to make an impact beyond the workplace?

About Where Next
Where Next is a charity based in Redditch, Worcestershire and Studley, Warwickshire providing support to adults with learning disabilities.  Founded over 40 years ago by caring parents it has grown from strengthen to strengthen and now provides day care for 150 clients.  The care and support is centred around horticultural and social activities but it also covers many other activities for the clients ensuring that is a varied and engaging programme of activities, nurturing the potential of everyone who attends Where Next

The charity is led by a Chief Executive and a passionate and experienced Board consisting of an excellent Senior Management team and Trustees.  There are 20 staff in total 

The charity has just commenced a developmental journey which will be looking at redesigning the facilities and services ensuring that the charity continues to be relevant going forward. 

Our webpage provides mor information and insight to the work of the charity

What we are looking for.

The Board are looking to strengthen existing skills and knowledge that currently exists and would like to appointment Trustees with any of the following skills and experiences.

Ø  Parent/ carer of an individual with Learning and Disabilities - living or professional experience – bringing day to day experiences to ensure that the Charities strategy is appropriate from a user’s perspective

Ø  Health and safety contract management – providing expertise in all aspects of safety aspect

Ø  Fund raising and PR/marketing including social media - Bringing innovative ideas to expand our reach and connect more people with our cause.

Ø  Project management – sharing skills to aid strategy of charities developments

Ø  Business planning and/or Business Case development -providing skills for the creation of business cases

Ø  Horticultural management – Bringing leadership to support the activities of the charity

Ø  Education /Training/ skills and personal development - offering insights to help improve and develop our Board and workforce

Why Become a Trustee While Working Full-Time?

• Enhance Your Professional Skills: Gain leadership, governance, and strategic experience that complements your career development.
• Broaden Your Network: Collaborate with like-minded professionals, build relationships across sectors, and expand your influence.
• Flexible Commitment: We understand your time is valuable. Our trustee roles are designed to fit alongside your job, with regular meetings and flexible involvement options.
• Make a Real Difference: Your expertise can shape the future of a charity that empowers individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

What’s Involved?

• Board Meetings: Attend approximately 4 meetings per year (held in person and/or virtually).
• Strategic Guidance: Work with fellow trustees to set the long-term vision and strategy of "Where Next" and oversee its implementation.
• Support & Advice: Provide expertise in your specific area while supporting the leadership team on key decisions and projects.
• Advocacy: Use your professional network to champion our cause and help us grow.

The application process

Applications are welcomed and applicants should send CVs and a supporting statement detailing what has attracted the applicants to Where Next to the Chief Executive. 

The shortlisted applicants will be invited for initial discussion with the chairman and CEO.

Want to make a difference? Could you help us?

New trustees wanted

We are looking for up to three people to be active members of our Board of Trustees.
Together with the other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders you will help the
Foodbank deliver a non-judgemental and compassionate service, and help us as we
work towards a future where foodbanks are no longer needed. The Trustee may be
asked to take the lead on specific areas of our work, utilising their experience and
skills. We are particularly keen to hear from people who have experience in
fundraising/bid writing, human resources, communications/PR, and property
management.

Our vision

Our vision is a future where our foodbank is no longer needed because people can
afford the essentials and get the support they need when they need it, preventing them
from reaching a point of crisis.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide a compassionate, dignified, and non-judgemental service to
people within our community. We do this by working in partnership with other
organisations to provide holistic support that enables people to find a way out of their
crisis. We work together with partners and the other foodbanks in RCT to identify and
address the root causes of people needing to use our foodbank to alleviate poverty
within our community.
Volunteering is a fantastic way for you to be involved in your local community and
volunteers are at the heart of all that we do as a Foodbank.

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success. 

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work. 

Smart Works regularly completes board reviews and skills audits. At the current time, applicants with experience and knowledge in the following areas would be advantageous:

• Charity law and regulation
• Accounting, finance, audit
• Fundraising
• Risk
• Legal
• Change Management
• Fashion Retail

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.

For full details of the role and how to apply, please see the job pack attached. 

Join the EAUC board to embed sustainability across post-16 education, equipping over 2 million people to shape a fairer, more sustainable society

This is a unique opportunity to bring your sustainability leadership to a purpose-driven charity at the intersection of sustainability and education.

Position: Trustee and director

Location: Remote within UK and Ireland

Renumeration: Voluntary with reasonable expenses paid

Positions available: Two

Closing date: Monday18 May 2026

EAUC is the leading body for sustainability in the post-16 education sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Primarily a membership body, we serve 300 organisations whilst also working to change systems that enable sustainability action. ​We’re both a charity and a company limited by guarantee and are always not-for-profit. ​You can find out more about our vision and values on our website.

Who we’re looking for

The EAUC board has twelve volunteer trustees. Two vacancies will arise following the AGM this year due to board members reaching their maximum tenure.

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We seek people who are committed to our mission, purpose and values, and who bring one or more of the following:

· insights into the further education or skills sectors

· cross sector organisational leadership insight

· experience in sustainability academic and/or research

We particularly encourage applications from people who are currently underrepresented on our board with regard to age, ethnicity and disability.

Full details of time commitment, responsibilities and support are included in the trustee information pack alongside more information about our work and how to apply at our website. Please consider joining us or share this opportunity with someone who could help shape the future of sustainable education.

Interested in supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse?

We are currently recruiting Trustees to help us take the charity forward into the future.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a registered charity led by a Board of Trustees.

The Trustees (all unpaid volunteers) act individually and collectively, to provide overall stewardship of the charity, in accordance with our governing document and relevant legislation. In essence we look after the staff, volunteers and the organisation, so they can support the community.

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be a trustee and we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

Prospective candidates will need to:

• Have empathy with the work of the Helpline

• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort

• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Have good judgement

• Be able to work as a team

• Have the ability, commitment and drive to take the organisation forward

Trustee Opportunities

For any charity succession planning is important and with that in mind we are currently looking for people to join our Board as Trustees.

1. Chair: Our Chair will be stepping down soon after 15 years and we are looking for someone to learn the ropes beside her before taking on the role. 

2. Treasurer: After 10 years, our Treasurer is looking to retire in the next year. The Treasurer’s role description is on our website.  

3. General Trustees: Please see the role description on our website

If you would like to apply please complete the application form on our website.  You are welcome also to email Chris Roach, Chair, at that address to arrange an informal chat.

ShareAction is an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment. We work to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. We set ambitious standards for how financial institutions, through their investment decisions, can protect our planet and its people and campaign for this approach to become the norm. We convene stakeholders to collectively push companies to tackle the climate crisis, protect nature, improve workers’ rights and shape healthier societies. In the UK and EU, we advocate for financial regulation that has society’s best interests at its core.

Position

As part of ShareAction’s Board, the Trustee plays a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This role is key to ensuring ShareAction delivers its charitable objectives, remains financially sound and operates in line with its legal and regulatory responsibilities.

Our Trustees help make our ambitious 2026–2031 strategy happen as effectively as possible. They provide oversight, challenge and support, ensuring our work continues to drive lasting change in responsible investment.

A typical month in this role would include:

• Attending Board meetings and contributing to strategic decision-making
• Sitting on at least one Board sub-committee (such as Finance, Audit, Risk and Controls, or HR and Remuneration)
• Reviewing papers in advance and engaging constructively in discussions
• Supporting and constructively challenging the executive team
• Acting as an ambassador for ShareAction and, where appropriate, supporting fundraising and income generation

As part of this role, you will engage closely with fellow Trustees, the Chair of the Board and the Executive Team, forming strong working relationships and using your experience to help safeguard ShareAction’s assets, reputation and long-term impact.

Through your contribution, you will help ShareAction work towards its vision of a world where the financial system serves people and planet.

If this role sounds like something that would build on your experience and engage you, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

We’re keen to hear from you if you are passionate about ShareAction’s mission and bring skills or experience that will strengthen our Board. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can contribute to a greater diversity of perspectives and lived experience.

We are especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following priority skills:

• Legal expertise, ideally as a qualified lawyer, with experience in charity law, pensions law, governance and/or financial regulation
• Senior management experience within the UK charity sector, particularly where combined with community engagement or organising experience

We would also welcome candidates with:

• Expertise in charity accounting
• Fundraising networks or experience

All Trustees are expected to:

• Be collaborative, thoughtful and willing to exercise independent judgement
• Commit to ShareAction’s values and objectives
• Be willing to learn about, and uphold, the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
• Make the time commitment required for the role (around 1–2 days per month)

While we hope to appoint Trustees with many of these skills, we recognise that experience is transferable and encourage applications even if you don’t meet every criterion. This is an unpaid volunteer role.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 25 May 2026.

ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities, and we are working hard to provide an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work. We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If this is the case for you, but you think you would excel in this role, we want to hear from you!

About Schoolreaders

One in four children in England leave primary school unable to read at the expected level — a barrier that shadows their education, confidence, and life chances. Schoolreaders was founded in 2013 to change this.

The Charity delivers weekly one-to-one reading support to primary school children who need it most, powered by a nationwide network of trained volunteers. This community-driven model delivers exceptional impact at minimal cost. It is incredibly simple and everyone wins – the children benefit from consistent, regular additional reading support, schools benefit from trained volunteers spending one-to-one time with children, and volunteers benefit from an increased sense of purpose and wellbeing.

Demand is soaring. In just 13 years, Schoolreaders has become England’s largest in-school reading support charity. Today, almost 40,000 children receive one-to-one reading support each week, and the charity is on track to deliver more than 1.5 million in-person reading sessions in 2026 — the National Year of Reading.

Support is targeted where it matters most: 46% of participating children are eligible for Pupil Premium, and over half of partner schools serve disadvantaged communities. Independent evaluation with the Institute for Research in Education shows powerful results: across three terms, every single child improved their reading age beyond expected progress.

Schoolreaders is proving what’s possible when communities mobilise around children’s futures.

The organisation is run by a small team in Bedford, achieving high staff-to-volunteer leverage and exceptional cost-effectiveness. Its supporters include patrons Gyles Brandreth and Kate Adie, and it is governed by a Board of Trustees and an executive team. Schoolreaders has been praised for its adaptability and innovative use of digital channels in volunteer recruitment and fundraising, and for the strength, expertise, and depth of its Board, whose members typically serve multiple terms, reflecting a strong sense of commitment and continuity. This collective leadership and innovation continue to position Schoolreaders as a vital partner in tackling the literacy gap at scale.

Role specification

As a Trustee at Schoolreaders, they will play a key role, helping to shape the overall direction and vision.

The key duties of Trustees are to:

• Work collectively with fellow Trustees and the executive team to ensure Schoolreaders remains mission-driven, financially resilient, and effective in delivering high-impact literacy support, particularly to the most disadvantaged children
• Shape and challenge organisational strategy, supporting the charity’s continued national expansion and operational effectiveness, while managing strategic risks and safeguarding its reputation and resources
• Champion the importance of evidence-based, face-to-face reading interventions while constructively interrogating the potential role of digital provision, ensuring decisions are grounded in impact and inclusivity
• Engage as an ambassador for Schoolreaders, championing its mission and extending its reach through networks and partnerships
• Support the executive team in addressing key challenges, including safeguarding, funding pressures, digital transformation, and security of volunteer and beneficiary data
• Model inclusive, collaborative governance and foster an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued

Person specification

Schoolreaders is seeking to strengthen its Board with new Trustees who bring expertise across two priority areas: Education and Communications / PR. While prior governance experience is welcome, the organisation is equally open to applications from those seeking their first non-executive appointment.

Education

The Board welcomes applications from those with current experience as a primary school practitioner, ideally within the state sector. The capacity to deliver strategic direction is essential. Insight into challenges linked to deprivation and the use of educational technology would be particularly valuable in shaping policy, practice and partnership development. A background in safeguarding would also be highly valued. Candidates may have held leadership roles such as Head of Department, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher, Chief Executive, or Director of Education. Appointees will also join the Education Safeguarding Consultation Group (meets online three times per year).

Communications / PR

The Board is seeking a Trustee with significant experience in communications, brand development, and / or marketing, and a strong understanding of digital and social media strategy. Candidates may come from any sector, provided they bring sound judgement, strong strategic thinking, and the ability to operate credibly across these areas. Experience in stakeholder engagement and influencing at a senior level will be valuable.

This Trustee will bring valuable insight as Schoolreaders strengthens its in-house communications and marketing capability and will help to shape the development of a longer-term strategy to raise the organisation’s profile and extend its reach. They will also support the development of a more integrated and cohesive approach, contributing to thinking on brand strategy, marketing and communications priorities, audience engagement, and external profile, as well as offering insight across digital, social, and traditional channels.

Above all, successful candidates will be motivated by the mission of Schoolreaders and committed to supporting children’s literacy and life chances.

Location

Board meetings are primarily held virtually, with one in-person board meeting and one strategy day held annually (typically in Bedford). Trustees from all regions of the UK are encouraged to apply.

Diversity

Schoolreaders welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

Terms of appointment

This is a voluntary role; however, reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. Trustees are asked to commit to:

• attending six Board meetings per year (every two months, three hours each, five virtual and one held in person in Bedford)
• attending three Committee meetings annually (virtual), as relevant to their expertise, noting that this is an emerging area and there is not currently a specific committee for the PR / Communications Trustee role
• attending an annual strategy day, which is held in person

The initial appointment is for a three-year term, which may be renewed at the Board’s discretion.

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, health inequalities (including deaf community), local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities