Trustees volunteer roles in cobham, surrey

Since 2002, we’ve delivered a structured, high-impact, programme of mentoring, a paid internship, skills masterclasses, and workplace visits for young people from under-represented backgrounds.

Our programme empowers them with new-found skills, confidence, aspirations, and support networks, boosting their life outcomes. It also enables employers to engage with and shape future talent, adding value to their organisation, and make a positive difference in their local communities.

​

Our values

Our people are committed and passionate about changing the lives of young people. Our organisational values underpin how we work and are at the core of everything we do.:

· Trust

· Bravery

· Collaboration

· Empowerment

· Inclusion

We have 40 colleagues across the UK, and strong collaboration across a remote working environment is critical to our success. We champion flexibility and wellbeing, and strive to be a positive place work, both in terms of our mission and our culture.

Our impact and growth

Across the UK in 2024 we supported 4,238 young people across our two programme cohorts, with 4,395 volunteers supporting them. We worked with 374 employers to provide mentors and summer internships in 2024 and have 194 school and college partners. 

Thanks to the support of our network, we’re able to have the following impact for young people:

· 99% of programme graduates go into higher education, apprenticeships or work

· 90% of students said they felt more confident than before the programme

· Career Ready alumni have a professional network twice the size of their non-programme peers

· 90% of students rated their career skills a strength following their paid internship

Following a challenging couple of years in the charity sector and wider economy, we have just closed the 2024/25 financial year in a more positive position. We are set to embark on a new 2025-30 strategy which focuses around 4 key pillars:

· Income sustainability

· Digital enablement and adoption

· UK programme alignment

· People & Culture

We are looking for further brilliant people to join our Board of Trustees and help us excel our new strategic focus.

About the role

Role purpose

As a Trustee you will make a significant contribution to creating empowering opportunities for young people from under-represented backgrounds. 

The role of the Trustee is to ensure that Career Ready is carrying out its purpose, as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and that it complies with the law.

Trustees must always act in the best interests of Career Ready, with reasonable care and skill, whilst also ensuring it is accountable.  They must also ensure that Career Ready manages its’ resources effectively and sets the forward direction of the organisation.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Ensuring that Career Ready functions within the legal and financial requirements of a Charitable Company

· Account for the work of Career Ready to Companies House, The Charity Commission, OSCR, funders

· Managing risks, protecting assets (reputation) and people 

· Ensuring that Career Ready strives to achieve best practice in all aspects of its work

· Determining the overall policy and direction of the Charity

· Fixing the annual budgets and approving accounts

· Recognising and dealing with conflicts of interest

· Appointing the Chief Executive Officer when required

· Agreeing strategic and work plans

· Collaborating with members of the senior management team in the development of strategic plans 

· Hearing membership appeals against the decisions of the Chief Executive Officer

· Ensuring that Career Ready maintains and complies with a policy of equal opportunities in respect of staff, members and stakeholders

· Act as a champion and ambassador for the work of Career Ready 

Person Specification

We are looking for 3-4 Trustees who have:

· A commitment to the mission of Career Ready

· An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship

· Integrity

· Sound judgement

· Strategic vision

· A willingness to contribute ideas and challenge

· Willingness to actively participate in developing the senior leadership team through sharing of skills and expertise 

As part of this recruitment exercise, we aspire to have greater Trustee representation from the following sectors/areas of expertise:

· Digital/technology/systems

· Comms/marketing

· Fundraising

· Finance

· Government/Policy

· Operations

In addition, we welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, to align with the diverse range of young people we serve, for example, lived experience of social mobility.

Commitment

We’re looking for trustees who aren’t just interested—they’re invested. Our ambitions are big, and we need people who have the capacity and motivation to engage with us in achieving these.

At least four meetings per year plus AGM.  Usually held in person in London/other locations with opportunity to join remotely. 

Up to three-year initial term. 

Invitation to join Career Ready team at annual All-Colleague event. 

Encouraged to support and participate in Career Ready events.

Opportunities to join and influence other projects and governance committees.

Timetable

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 31st July.

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends
• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments
• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition
• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• five Trustee Board meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings). Three meetings are held in person on London on a Saturday, with two meetings being virtual evening meetings.
• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group.

Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are currently recruiting for ONE NEW TRUSTEE to join the board. We are particularly looking for significant experience of charity governance, management and best practice. Examples of how this might have been gained include having worked at a senior level in a charity, or previous trustee experience.

If you are keen to join the Endometriosis UK Board and don’t have this experience, there will be further opportunities over the next year as we will be recruiting for more trustees as Board members reach their maximum length of service. Keep an eye on our social media for more information.

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis.

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.

Today Kensal Green Cemetery is at the start of an exciting new chapter in its history.  After several years of hard work and collaboration with stakeholders such as Historic England, a private Bill is currently passing through parliament that will enable the General Cemetery Company to transfer the land, buildings and company into the ownership of a newly formed charity.  As a result, the cemetery will be owned and operated by a modern organisation with contemporary powers and freedoms, releasing it from the constrained governance arrangements of the founding Act(s).

In parallel with the Bill making its passage through parliament, the General Cemetery Company directors are setting up a Steering Group that will form the embryo of the board of trustees of the proposed charity that will ultimately own and operate the site. 

We are therefore seeking three experienced external individuals to join the Steering Group and contribute towards the establishment of the new charity and form the starting point for a larger board of trustees.  It is anticipated that the Steering Group members will transition into trustees in the next 12 months or so as the charity is established.

About Kensal Green Cemetery

Kensal Green Cemetery and the company that owns and operates it - the General Cemetery Company - was established by an Act of Parliament in 1833.  It is one of the ‘magnificent seven’ great Victorian London cemeteries and the only one that remains owned and operated by its original founding company. 

Kensal Green Cemetery is widely regarded architecturally as the most important of the great Victorian cemeteries, containing the greatest concentration of buildings and monuments of particularly high-quality design.  As the chosen location for several Victorian royal burials, Kensal Green Cemetery also became regarded as particularly desirable amongst the great and the good of Victorian and Edwardian society.

Over the last half a century the General Cemetery Company has struggled to keep up with the huge task of maintaining the site to the standard it deserves.  And as time has passed, the General Cemetery Company’s 200-year-old governance framework has become increasingly anachronistic in the modern world, preventing it, for example, from applying for major capital grants or making structural changes to the way the site is owned and operated.  Whilst the company is in reasonable financial shape and actively serving its community with burials and cremations, parts of the cemetery are in poor condition and it contains one of the largest concentrations of ‘Heritage At Risk’ structures in England.

Our vision

The GCC directors and inaugural members of the proposed charity have established an outline vision for the future of Kensal Green Cemetery for the next 25 years to 2050 to give the proposed charity a clear purpose. We have also started to set a series of objectives that the charity must deliver to give its role and function more definition:

The vision is to care for Kensal Green Cemetery as a place of burial, cremation and quiet contemplation for current and future generations of our diverse community.  To do this we will carefully and sensitively conserve and repair our buildings and monuments, promote education about them and improve the condition of infrastructure & landscape whilst operating an active cemetery and crematorium for the public benefit.

The strategic objectives are:

1. To maintain an open and active cemetery and provide for existing and future generations of friends and families of the deceased

2. To conserve and enhance the heritage of Kensal Green Cemetery;( the densest concentration of highly listed heritage assets in England)

3. To continue to operate a high quality, financially viable cemetery and crematorium whilst diversifying income streams from other assets and activities

4. To engage and educate people about the social, economic, architectural, environmental and cultural history of the cemetery and those buried in it

5. To balance the conservation and enhancement of the historic landscape features with nature conservation to provide a green space for commemoration and the quiet enjoyment and contemplation of the community.

We are seeking three high calibre individuals to the following three roles:

1. Treasurer

2. Heritage-lead

3. Management-lead

Further details are provided in the attached information pack however it is key that all three trustee roles are filled by individuals who have board-level experience and experience of charities, and ideally charitable start-ups in particular.

We are looking for individuals who understand and will embrace our vision and who can help to shape plans for the future of Kensal Green Cemetery.

In the short-term the individuals will be members of the Steering Group.  It is anticipated that these individuals will be key members of the team which will create the proposed charity and that their roles will transition to trustees during their tenure.

What you will gain

• The opportunity to shape an organisation responsible for one of the most remarkable concentrations of heritage assets in England
• Satisfaction for being responsible for a cemetery and crematorium that is deeply rooted in the lives of the West London community
• The opportunity to develop your strategic and leadership skills
• Working with a friendly and committed team of trustees and staff.

Location

All members of the Steering Group and successor trustee board will be expected to participate fully in the development of proposals for the future of Kensal Green Cemetery including at the attendance of events and relevant meetings on site in London.  It is expected that there will be five formal meetings each year which will be a mixture of virtual and in person that members will be required to attend as a minimum.  During the first formative year or so of the start-up phase we expect the level of time commitment will exceed that of a typical trustee position.

Terms of appointment

The three roles are voluntary and will not be remunerated however reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed for one further term.

About being a Trustee

It is fully expected that the individuals we are seeking for the Steering Group will transition into trustees in due course. More information is available online about general trustee responsibilities from websites such as the Charity Commission however, in summary, trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.  Trustees have six main overarching duties:

1. To ensure their charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

2. To comply with their charity’s governing document and the law

3. To act in their charity’s best interests

4. To manage your charity’s resources responsibly

5. To act with reasonable care and skill

6. To ensure their charity is accountable.

Are you a committed environmentalist and a strategic thinker? Do you have skills in devising and managing or communicating about community based, environmental projects?

The Railway Land Wildlife Trust is seeking passionate and strategic individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

We’re particularly interested in those with skills in communications, fundraising or environmental projects. As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the future of our work, protecting and restoring habitats while deepening people’s connection to nature.

As a Trustee, you will:

- Support our strategic vision via one of our sub-committees (Project Strategy or Communications & Fundraising)
- Share your expertise to help us grow and diversify our impact
- Work collaboratively with a small, committed team driving grassroots environmental change

We are especially keen to hear from individuals based in East Sussex, as a strong local presence supports our hands-on, place-based approach. 
This is a voluntary role and a valuable opportunity to contribute to environmental leadership, gain experience in governance and be part of a meaningful local initiative.
 

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation was established as an educational charity in 2003. Our aim is to develop spiritual awareness and to support people of all faiths, and none, by delivering a range of training programmes that allow open-hearted adults to serve their chosen communities through Ministry, Spiritual Counselling and in supporting life’s transitions. Our interfaith ministers bring unconditional love and radical commitment to members of the public through ceremony, ritual, spiritual counselling, and other methods of support.

We are seeking new trustees, with a focus on marketing and/or legal experience, with a commitment to the vision and purpose of the organisation to join our board. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years and are essential to the progress and growth of our organisation.

Organisational purpose:

To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:
• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;
• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;
• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.

Our Vision

is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.

Our Mission

is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.

Ideally, you will have experience working in a not-for-profit organisation and will be passionate about spiritual life and faith-freedom. We would particularly love to hear from anyone with experience of Human Resources, Adult Education, Financial Management, Fundraising, Legal, and IT.

Formal trustee meetings take place with senior staff quarterly, and we hold up to nine trustee-only meetings annually. To ensure our work is collaborative, we also have an annual two-day gathering of trustees and the wider leadership team. All trustees are volunteers, with expenses available for travel to and from meetings and other incidental expenses where applicable. Please note that meetings are currently being held via Zoom.

We have a strong commitment to diversity and aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with on our Board of Trustees. We welcome all candidates irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, age, responsibilities for dependants, physical/mental disability (“protected characteristics” as per the Equality Act 2010), economic status or offending background.

We welcome both OneSpirit ministers and candidates who are not OneSpirit ministers.  However, we expect all candidates to adhere to OneSpirit’s code of ethics.

Trustee of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine trustees and we are looking to appoint another trustee with experience of strategic HR and/or cultural change.

The Role

The duties of a trustee are as follows.

·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, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

·Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public

·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

·Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive and other staff members

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. 

Person specification 

·A commitment to the organisation 

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 

·Strategic vision 

·Good, independent judgement 

·An ability to think creatively 

·A willingness to speak their mind 

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

·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. 

Who we are

The General Cemetery Company owns and operates the historic Kensal Green Cemetery. We are an historic company still governed by our founding Act of Parliament from the 1830s which is unique and highly prohibitive. To address this we are currently promoting a private bill through parliament which will allow us to transfer the ownership and operation of this remarkable site to a newly formed charity that will be better placed to care for one of the most significant heritage sites in London.

The role

The Treasurer is a key member of the Trustee Board, providing financial oversight and strategic guidance to help secure the long-term sustainability of CASW during a challenging time for the voluntary sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise on the financial implications of CASW’s strategic plans, including financial risk management.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Finance Manager on the presentation of budgets, management accounts, and statutory financial reports to the Board.
• Ensure accurate financial record-keeping and implement appropriate accounting procedures and controls.
• Monitor the financial viability of the organisation and support decisions on resource allocation.
• Ensure that investments and assets are being managed effectively.
• Support Trustees in understanding their financial responsibilities and enhance the Board’s collective financial literacy.
• Oversee compliance with all contractual and funding obligations.
• Promote and uphold good governance in line with CASW’s Articles of Association and Charity Commission best practice.

Candidate Profile:

Essential:

• Passion and commitment to CASW’s mission and strategic goals.
• Strategic mindset with experience interpreting complex financial data and supporting long-term planning.
• A recognised financial qualification or substantial experience in a strategic finance leadership role.
• Demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Prior experience as a Trustee or Treasurer, particularly in the charity sector.
• Understanding of charity finance regulations and reporting requirements.

Time Commitment:

• Attendance at approximately six Board meetings per year.
• Chairing of the Finance Sub-Committee (approximately six meetings annually).
• Participation in Away Days and occasional ad hoc support to staff or fellow Trustees using financial expertise.

Data Protection Notice:
All application information will be used strictly for recruitment purposes and in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.

999 Club IS RECRUITING NEW TRUSTEES!

999 Club is a charity doing big things with people facing homelessness. For over 30 years, we've provided a safe haven in the heart of Deptford — offering hot meals, showers, practical support, and a pathway out of homelessness for good.

We're now looking for up to three new trustees to help guide our growing organisation as we develop our new 5-year strategy.

We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in:

· Fundraising – An ability to use your networks or knowledge to champion our cause and unlock new opportunities.

· Charity Finance – provide strategic financial oversight and potentially chair our Finance Committee.

· Property or Facilities Management – Help oversee the management and potential development of our buildings

What to expect:

As a trustee, you’ll gain leadership experience, broaden your network, and play a hands-on role in tackling homelessness and improving the mental wellbeing of our community. This is a voluntary role involving four board meetings a year (a mix of in-person and virtual), plus occasional events, emails, and committee work. Reasonable expenses are covered.

Inclusion:

We’re committed to building a diverse and representative board. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, or systemic disadvantage.

Objective: 

The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees in its accountability for Eikon’s vision, mission, charitable purposes and upholding its values whilst supporting Trustees individually and collectively in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity.

The Chair provides line management to the CEO, offering support, advice and appraisal, and with the SLT, when appropriate, to deliver its Strategy and achieve its Annual Plan goals and objectives. He or she will act as a champion, ambassador and the public face of the Charity in partnership with the CEO. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Oversee and ensure that duties are fulfilled, strategies are established and that the Board regularly reviews risks and opportunities.

Governance: Confirm the charity’s arrangements, Trustees and systems are effective and comply with the Charity Commission Governance Code.

External Relations: Represent Eikon as an ambassador and spokesperson with external stakeholders, when appropriate.

Efficiency and Effectiveness: Engage Trustees while chairing meetings and documenting decisions and actions arising.

Relationship with CEO and Senior Leadership Team: Establish a strong, open, collaborative, supportive relationship with key team members; agree objectives and goals for the CEO.

Person Specifications

Personal Qualities: Strong and visible passion, commitment and advocacy for Eikon and children and young people’s mental health.

Experience: Track record of operation and achievement at a senior strategic level including both internal and external presentations and representation.

Knowledge and Skills: Strong leadership and motivational skills combined with financial management experience; understanding of charity governance.

Location:               

The Eikon Charity is based in New Haw, Surrey, and operates throughout most of Surrey’s boroughs and beyond.

Remuneration

The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed. 

Time Commitment

Chairing, in person, four evening Board meetings per year, a Board and Senior Leadership Team away day and the annual Audit & Finance Committee meeting.  There are regular in person or online meetings and calls with the Chief Executive Officer and liaison with individual Trustees and senior staff on particular issues.  Together with the CEO, represent the Charity at events and meetings with key stakeholders.Standard appointment term is three years.

The Guildford Institute is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to serve as Chair of its Board of Trustees. This important role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a charity that has been a pivotal part of the community for over 130 years.

Based in our beautiful Grade II listed building since 1892, we provide the local community with accessible cultural education and opportunities to build meaningful connections with others.

We’re seeking a distinguished leader with the following qualities: 

• Leadership & Governance

• Passion for the Arts, Education & Community

• Strategic Thinking

• Financial Acumen

• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

Play a vital role in guiding The Guildford Institute to continue to grow, secure its longevity and thrive.

Additional Documents:

Please read our Candidate Brief to find out more about us and the role of the Chair.

Are you passionate about ‘The Creative Arts’? At Bloomin’ Arts, we see and hear the difference made when ensuring disabled adults have opportunities to be artists and leaders within visual art, drama, dance, and theatre. As a Trustee you will share a responsibility to oversee how our charity is managed and run. Ensuring what we do is always in our participant’s best interest.

Do you recognising ‘art and culture’s’ place in society. Could you help us achieve our future objectives and impact our ability to empower the lives of disabled adults through the creative arts. As Chair, you will play a vital role in:

• · Supporting the development and growth of our charitable arts organisation.
• · Driving our commitment to disability provision and leadership within the arts.
• · Leading with empathy to tackle challenges and direct change where needed.
• · Leading governance and compliance in line with the charity commission.
• · Advocacy and support fundraising as an ambassador for the charity, leveraging your networks to advance the charity’s reach and influence.
• ·    Ensuring our values and disabled artists (participants) remain at the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• ·        Ideally experience of charitable sector and/or arts and culture management.
• · A strong connection to or lived experience of disability.
• · Ability to lead and inspire other trustees and our staff.
• · Dedication to the role to ensure your contribution and leadership makes a positive difference.
• · Ability to be in person at Trustee Meetings, held at our venue in RH7. 

Why it’s an exciting time to join us:

• · This is a time of growth for us as a charity.
• · The challenges we face, we approach positively and openly.
• · We are constantly working to improve awareness and build our relationships to increase our reach and impact.
• · We love finding people who share our passion and vision and will stretch our viewpoints.
• · We celebrate diversity and make inclusion part of what we do every day.

 Length of term and time requirements:

Chair to join ideally for a 3 year term and opportunity for a further two.

Approximately 4-6 hours per month inc preparation and attendance for trustee meetings.

Renumeration:

Your services are always hugely appreciated, but services are offered on a voluntary basis and receive no renumeration except expenses reasonably incurred.

NEW CHAIR WANTED FOR AGE UK MERTON’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who shares our values and passion for supporting older adults in Merton. The new Chair will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.

About Age UK Merton

We are an independent charity operating within the national Age UK network providing services for older adults in the London Borough of Merton. Our role is to ensure older adults can access the support, services and care they need to help them to live active and fulfilling lives.

Our vision: Supporting our communities with opportunities to love later life.

Our mission: To provide quality advice and services that meet the needs of older adults in Merton.

Our values: quality, integrity, kindness, inclusivity and collaboration.

Our priorities

We are passionate about making a difference to the lives of older adults in Merton. Our Strategic Plan 2023-2026 outlines our three key priorities in support of our mission:

1. Providing high quality advice and practical support.

2. Building social connection.

3. Creating opportunities for lifelong active ageing.

Our services

Living Well: we deliver holistic person-centered home assessments creating a motivational action plan and supporting older adults to access services and improve their health and wellbeing.

At Home: we provide practical help to enable people to feel comfortable, safe and secure at home with domestic support, shopping and respite for carers.

Activity programme: our weekly-programme of activities includes chair-based exercise, Zumba, Tai Chi, social club with board games, craft club, quiz sessions, walking group, monthly special lunches and aqua fitness. We also run a wide range of out and about trips annually.

Information and advice: our trained advisers offer free accredited information and advice to older adults on benefits, health and end of life, housing, social care, local services and more.

Befriending and volunteering: we provide a high-quality, free, face-to-face and telephone befriending service, helping to reduce social isolation and promote independence.

Foot health service: we offer a low-cost paid-for foot health service for our clients.

Role description

As Chair, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Board of Trustees. Your regular responsibilities will include liaising with the CEO to set the agenda and agree the papers for Board meetings, chairing Board meetings, holding regular catch-ups with Trustees, and leading on Trustee recruitment and retention and Board development. In addition, you will also be the line manager to the CEO, holding regular meetings and undertaking the annual appraisal and objective setting. You will also sit on the Finance Committee (chaired by the Treasurer) and be responsible for determining complaints and grievances where a decision is appealed.

As a Trustee, you will have a number of core duties, including ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and relevant legislation; ensuring it pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document; ensuring the financial stability of the organisation; and ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

Person specification

Essential

· Previous Board-level experience, either as a Trustee or in another non-executive capacity

· Experience of chairing (either a Trustee Board or other professional experience)

· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

· Willingness and capacity to devote the necessary time

· Good independent judgment

· A commitment to Age UK Merton and its vision, mission and values

· An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship

Desirable

· Some experience or understanding of the adult social care or health sectors

· An understanding of Merton as a place

To find out more and to apply

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. While we would especially welcome applications from people who live in our local area, this is not essential to success in the role.

If you are interested in applying, please send a CV (maximum 2-sides of A4) and cover letter (maximum 1-side of A4) to our current chair. Please also contact our chair if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 25th July 2025. Interviews will be held in August/September 2025 and the successful candidate will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

Trustee

Trustee Recruitment - Lead with Purpose: Become a Trustee and Help Achieve a Life Unlimited. 

Your experience. Your voice. Your impact.

At Cystic Fibrosis Trust, we believe in a world where everyone with cystic fibrosis (CF), can live a life unlimited — and we’re inviting passionate individuals to join us on this powerful journey.

This is more than a governance role — it’s an opportunity to help guide strategic decisions that impact lives, influence national initiatives, and accelerate progress for a community that deserves nothing less than a brighter future.

Location: Remote / hybrid
Commitment: Flexible, approx. one day per month
Positions available: Multiple
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone with CF – one of the most common life-limiting genetic conditions.

Our team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and Trustees works alongside people affected by CF to fund life-changing research, promote world-class clinical care, and provide essential advice and support.  We champion a community that is united by strength, compassion, and hope.

Our work relies on the generous donations of our supporters.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, values, and strategic direction, developing our aims, objectives, and goals. Your leadership will help us make decisions that matter, and your voice will help steer us toward a stronger, inclusive future.  Trustees typically serve a three-year term, with the option to continue for a second.

This is a voluntary role (unpaid), but reasonable expenses can be claimed for travel to attend meetings in person.

Time Commitment: up to one day a month on average, comprised of preparation for and attending meetings, away days and Trust related activities

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Due to our normal rotational retirements and trustee terms of office we have several vacancies.  We are keen to increase the representation of people with lived experience of CF and are particularly interested in applications from all people who can offer professional skills and experience in:

• finance and accountancy
• legal practice/law
• fundraising and income generation
• marketing and communications
• data and digital strategies
• basic science research
• non-clinical CF professions (e.g. psychology or social worker)

As part of our long-term succession planning, we would also welcome interest from candidates who may be open to taking on additional Board leadership responsibilities in the future, e.g. Chair, treasurer, or committee roles.

The cystic fibrosis community is diverse, encompassing people of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that this diversity is reflected on our Board. We are especially interested in hearing from those with lived experience of CF, disabled individuals, and candidates from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, as well as LGBTQI individuals. We value fresh perspectives and encourage applications from first-time trustees.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of people affected by cystic fibrosis.
• Engage with dynamic peers who are driven, forward-thinking, passionate and purpose-led.
• Help drive an inspirational mission that blends science, support, and community.
• Play a critical role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring robust governance, and championing equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Gain valuable experience in governance and strategic planning.
• Use your expertise to fuel lasting change.

 
If you are passionate about making a difference for people with cystic fibrosis, this is your moment.  Please get in touch.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Please download the Trustee Recruitment Pack for more information about the role and how to apply or click the button above “Redirect to the recruiter”

Important Dates

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 20 August 2025 
First interview: Week commencing 8 September 2025
Second interview: Week commencing 15 September 2025

REF-222468