Trustees volunteer roles

Attitude is Everything are looking for someone with charity finance experience at a senior level, and someone who shares Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.

To make sure that Attitude is Everything operates within the legal and financial guidelines set out in current legislation and its own financial procedures

To ensure that strong financial controls are in place and that the organisation operates within a sound financial framework

Who They Are

Care Rights UK is a national charity dedicated to championing the rights of people in care. For over 30 years, the organisation has provided information, advice, and support to empower individuals using care services, as well as the relatives and friends who support them.

As a community of families and experts, Care Rights UK campaigns for better lives for people in care. The charity identifies poor practice, highlights examples of good care, and advocates for a stronger, fairer care system.

The Role

Care Rights UK is entering an exciting phase of growth and is seeking to diversify and expand its reach across the UK. To support this next chapter, the organisation is looking to appoint a new trustee to join its established and welcoming Board of Trustees.

The Board plays a vital role in the strategic oversight of the charity, working alongside a small but dedicated staff team led by an experienced CEO. Trustees help guide the organisation’s work, ensuring it continues to provide the national advice line for older people needing care and to campaign effectively for systemic change.

Despite its modest size, Care Rights UK is recognised as a leading voice in the sector, “punching above its weight” through its influence, advocacy, and impact.

Who They Are Looking For

Care Rights UK welcomes applications from people with a positive, can-do attitude and a passion for promoting the rights of older people. The charity is particularly interested in individuals with knowledge or experience of:

• Advice and support services

• Legal expertise

• First-hand experience of care services

These perspectives are highly valued, but applications are welcomed from anyone with an interest in adult social care. Previous trustee experience is not required. Training, induction, and tailored support will be provided to ensure new trustees feel confident in their role.

Commitment to Diversity

Care Rights UK is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, including those underrepresented on the Board: individuals from minoritised ethnic communities, women, and LGBTQ+ communities. The charity particularly values lived experience of care and seeks to ensure its leadership reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

What Trustees Can Expect

• Friendly, supportive colleagues on both the Board and staff team

• Clear, jargon-free Board papers provided in a timely manner

• One-to-one support from the Chair and regular reviews of Board operations

• Peer support, including a buddy scheme

• A comprehensive induction to the charity, its work and mission

• Training to equip trustees for their role

• Practical support from staff, including help with logistics such as travel

• Opportunities to share knowledge and skills with sector experts

• The chance to be part of a dynamic team driving real change in the care sector

Position: Chair of Trustees
Accountable to: Board of Trustees
Location: Hybrid
Time Commitment:1-2 days per month
Term: 2 yrs renewable

Purpose of the Role

The Chair of Trustees provides leadership to the Board, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the charity. The Chair works in partnership with the Chief Executive (or equivalent) to help achieve the organisation’s mission, ensuring it is run effectively, transparently, and in line with its values.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Provide clear leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring it fulfils its duties and responsibilities.

• Ensure that governance arrangements are effective, transparent, and regularly reviewed.

• Lead on maintaining a strong focus on the charity’s purpose, vision, and strategic direction.

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and other relevant legislation.

Board Management

• Chair Board meetings effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to discussions.

• Ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of the charity and are implemented.

• Encourage participation and engagement from all Trustees, drawing on their skills and knowledge.

• Oversee the recruitment, induction, and development of Trustees.

External Representation

• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity when appropriate.

• Represent the charity at key events, meetings, and with stakeholders.

• Build strong relationships with funders, partners, and the wider community.

Relationship with Senior Staff

• Develop a supportive and constructive relationship with the Chief Executive (or equivalent).

• Provide guidance and support while respecting boundaries between governance and management.

• Undertake annual appraisal of the Chief Executive and ensure appropriate support structures are in place.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience of chairing meetings and/or serving on a Board.

• Understanding of charity governance and the legal responsibilities of Trustees.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and engage others.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to act impartially, with integrity, and in the best interests of the charity.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of the sector in which the charity operates.

• Experience in strategy development, fundraising, or stakeholder engagement.

• Established networks that could benefit the charity.

Time Commitment

• 3-6 Trustees meeting a year

• Regular contact with the Chief Executive/Trustees between meetings.

• Representation at occasional external events.

The Charity Evaluation Working Group is a community of 300+ charity sector evaluators. Our mission to empower charities, (and other purpose-driven organisations), to create positive change through effective evaluation.

We are looking for passionate individuals to join our board as trustees and chair / co-chairs. This is a unique opportunity to lead our next chapter and strengthen our community.

We’re specifically looking to recruit people who are not only passionate about the use of data and evidence, but bring a wider range of skills to the board, including;

• research and evaluation
• income generation
• comms and marketing
• advocacy and influence

Our trustees are based across the UK, so all of our meetings are online. We’re a small charity, which means that we’re looking for people who are happy to be hands-on.

We would like to maintain the diversity of our board and therefore would particularly like to hear from people from the global majority, lower socioeconomic backgrounds, disabled people and those from other marginalised groups. We’re open to new perspectives and ways of thinking, so you don’t necessarily need to have worked in the third sector, understand evaluation, or have experience of being a trustee before.

For more information and to apply for these roles, please visit our website.

We are accepting applications until 5pm, Monday 22nd September 2025.

Go Beyond – Chair, Treasurer and Trustees
Inspire brighter futures for children across England

· Location: Meetings in London, Cornwall, Derbyshire + virtual

· Commitment: Chair: ~3–4 days/month | Trustees: ~1 day/month

· Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Go Beyond is a national children’s charity with a powerful, simple mission: to give children a break from difficult lives.

Each year, we provide life-changing residential breaks in the countryside for over 1,000 children aged 8–13 who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to enjoy time away, make friends, and just be children. With ambitious plans for growth, including pop-up programmes and site expansion [SS1] we're seeking a new Chair (to take over in 2026), a Treasurer, and two additional Trustees to strengthen our already passionate and committed Board.

We welcome applications from people who share our values and want to be part of something special.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with senior leadership experience in:

• Finance / accountancy (especially in the charity or not-for-profit sector)
• Environment, sustainability, or ESG
• Education or youth services – a champion for vulnerable children
• Marketing, PR or communications
• People, culture and EDI (especially within charities or public service)

Why join us?

• Be part of a unique charity that puts children first in everything we do
• Help shape our next 5-year strategy, which aims to provide over 5,000 breaks
• Join a dynamic, engaged Board and leadership team
• Use your voice and experience to ensure children get the joyful, nurturing respite they deserve
• Be inspired – and have fun – while helping others do the same

We are actively working to diversify our Board and welcome people with lived experience that reflects the lives of the children we support. No previous board experience is necessary o become a Trustee – just your time, your ideas, and your commitment to making a difference.

· Deadline: Midday Tuesday 14th October 2025

· Site visit: 22nd – 31st October 2025

· Interviews: 4–6 November 2025 (in London)

Please download the attached brief for more information and details of how to apply. To arrange a confidential conversation, contact our recruitment partner Anna Jay at Public Leaders Appointments.

SUMMARY

Roles Description: Finance Trustee, Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee, and Legal Trustee

Remuneration: Like most Trustee roles, these roles are unremunerated

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefits: In addition to making a real difference in the lives of and deepening your understanding of youth organising, you will receive:

• Safeguarding Training and support in developing expertise here
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred in your role

At The Advocacy Academy, we envision a world where young people with lived experience of injustice (LEofI) harness their collective power to shape a more fair, just, and equal society. Our mission is to organise and support these young people to drive systemic change on the most pressing issues of our time.

We do this by offering deep coaching, delivering transformative leadership programmes, and creating clear pathways for sustained action. Through shared learning and community-building, we help young leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch and lead proactive campaigns. We also recognise that real change starts from within - so we’re committed to a governance structure that is values-driven, participatory, and beyond reproach, ensuring TAA is as accountable to young people as it is to the communities we serve and its wider responsibilities.

We’re now looking to recruit three new Trustees to join our Board and help steer this work. We're especially keen to hear from people with leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Finance & Fundraising, Community Organising and Campaigns & Legal

Trustees of The Advocacy Academy play a unique role in delivery of our mission. They are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation, represent it to the community, and accept ultimate compliance authority for the charity and its activities. As a Trustee with experience in the UK’s youth sector, you will support the Board and the Executives in ensuring that TAA continues to deliver an exceptional quality of youth work, and the role that safeguarding plays in achieving this. As a trustee:

• Work with the Chair, Trustees and Senior Leadership team to ensure there is a clear, long-term and strategic vision The Advocacy Academy.
• Work with the Board to ensure we function within the legal and financial requirements of a UK registered charity and company, our constitution and that we strive for best practice
• Take responsibility with the other trustees so that the organisation has effective practice to safeguard the people it works with
• Act as an ambassador, spokesperson and champion our work supporting our income activities, and fostering networks that can help generate income.

About Our Board of Trustees

• Our Board currently consists of four members, recruited, selected, and approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Each trustee serves a three-year term, and we are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.
• The Board meets quarterly (four times per year) to provide strategic oversight and governance. Operations/day to day are managed by the Executives.
• Given the size of the board, we expect all trustees to join at least one subcommittees meeting per year, unless there are extenuating circumstances. .The subcommittee meets are typically held prior to full Board meetings.
• Board meetings are held at our Liberation Centre in Brixton and subcommittee meets are held virtually
• The role of trustee is voluntary, though reasonable expenses are reimbursed.2• Trustees are expected to prepare in advance by reading reports and meeting papers, and are also warmly invited to attend our events throughout the year.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Finance Trustee - Trustee will provide charity financial governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Finance Director and the Finance & Risk Committee will:

• Provide support on financial oversight and ensure compliance with relevant charity and regulatory requirements.
• Review and co-present financial reports and key insights to the Board of Trustees.
• Actively participate in the Finance and Risk Committee, ensuring effective financial scrutiny.
• Strategic contribution to long-term financial and fundraising planning and support the organisation’s risk management framework.
• Attend Finance and Risk subcommittee meetings quarterly.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee - The Community organising and campaigning Trustee will provide organising and Campaigns governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Director of Organising and Campaigns and fellow trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic oversight of The Advocacy Academy’s organising and campaigning activities and priorities.
• Ensure campaigns are ethical, legally compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s values.
• Support the development of effective, youth-led organising and campaigning strategies.
• Offer insight into advocacy trends, movement-building, and political landscapes.
• Serve as a sounding board for the team, offering critical friend feedback without operational interference.
• Help the board assess risks and opportunities related to public positioning, reputation, and partnerships.
• Good governance, diversity and teamwork are at the core of the Board’s values. We want to ensure trustees represent the young people we work with and we are particularly interested in applications from people with lived experience.

3. Legal Trustee - The Legal Trustees will provide Legal perspective on governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic legal perspective on compliance with charity law, employment law, using legal knowledge or by signposting to our external legal support.
• Provide legal perspective on any strategic decisions the board makes, which the board can then pursue formal legal advice on.
• Provide legal perspective on risk related to public campaigning, partnerships and public communications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Finance Trustee -

• Proven expertise in charity fundraising and financial management.
• Experience of charity finance and fundraising is essential.
• Previous board or trustee experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee -

• Understanding of power-building, community organising, or movement strategy (essential).
• Experience in grassroots organising and campaigns, advocacy, or social justice movements.3• Familiarity with political or social justice contexts in the UK.
• Willingness to support youth leadership and work in solidarity with young campaigners.
• Previous board or governance experience is helpful but not essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

3. Legal Trustee -

• Qualified legal professional (e.g. solicitor, barrister, legal academic) with UK-based experience.
• Knowledge of charity, or employment law desirable.
• Experience in risk, governance, or compliance, particularly in the charity sector.
• A commitment to social justice and supporting youth organising work.
• Ability to translate legal concepts clearly for non-specialist trustees.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

EXPECTATIONS & ENTITLEMENT

• Attend at least one training programme that we run, so that you understand the work we deliver
• Attend trustee meetings, which are held four times a year in London or virtually, and last between 3 expected to attend at least three each year.
• Participate in one of our sub-committees as may be required by the trustee role.
• Demonstrate commitment to The Advocacy Academy by supporting fundraising efforts.
• Serve for a term of three years and be able to stand for re-election for a further term and possibly two.
• Work with the Chair to review your performance
• Claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to attend meetings -4 hours - trustees are expected to attend at least three each year.
• This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Trustee roles, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of The Advocacy Academy’s board. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holders.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply to be our Trustee by sending your CV together with a supporting statement to us. Your supporting statement should explain why you would like to be our Trustee and the contribution you believe you would make to The Advocacy Academy, with particular reference to the specific Trustee role and Requirements above.

DATES

• •Closing Date: The deadline for applications is 7th October 2025 by 9am.

Please note that there will be two rounds of interviews, and we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis as applications are received. The application deadline may be brought forward if suitable candidates are identified early.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims, and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required.

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your application if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you want to use your skills to help ensure a local charity is financially strong, transparent, and forward-thinking?

Home-Start Barnet, Brent and Harrow is seeking a new Treasurer to join our committed Board of Trustees. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of a growing, values-led organisation that supports hundreds of families each year.

You don’t need to be a qualified accountant – just someone with good financial awareness, an eye for detail, and a desire to help shape our future.

What You’ll Do

As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role in the charity’s success by:

• Overseeing our finances – ensuring we are financially healthy and legally compliant

• Working with our CEO and Accountant – to review budgets, financial plans and monthly reports

• Supporting the board – by explaining financial information in an accessible way and guiding strategic decisions

• Chairing our Finance Subcommittee – held once every 12 weeks

• Ensuring good financial governance – making sure systems are in place for managing our income and spending

• Helping plan for sustainability – offering insight into full-cost recovery, funding gaps and long-term planning

Who We’re Looking For

We’re open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds – you may be a retired finance professional, someone in a leadership or strategic role, or looking for a first trustee position with a cause that matters to you.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Financial literacy and confidence with numbers

• Experience managing budgets, interpreting accounts or overseeing finances

• Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative style

• An interest in supporting families and giving children the best start in life

Previous experience as a trustee is helpful but not essential.

One opportunity can change everything.

A small loan can spark a business. A digital bank account can build a future. A savings group can support a whole village. At Opportunity International UK, we believe in the power of tools and trust - and now, we’re looking for a new Chair of Trustees to help guide the next chapter of our story.

We’re a Christian charity with deep roots in financial inclusion, equipping people across Africa with the means to lift themselves out of poverty with dignity. Our Microfinance Plus model brings together access to finance, digital innovation, agricultural support and hands-on training. And we’ve seen how these tools transform families, futures and whole communities.

As Chair, you won’t just lead our Board. You’ll shape strategy, strengthen culture, and support our senior leadership across both Opportunity International UK and our investment subsidiary, OMIL. You’ll champion governance, nurture donor relationships, and bring wisdom and encouragement to our partnerships, from HRH The Princess Royal to cocoa farmers in Ghana.

This is more than a governance role. It’s an invitation to be part of something bold, hopeful and deeply impactful.

We’re looking for someone with strategic leadership experience, a strong Christian faith, and a deep commitment to inclusion and impact. Experience in the charity sector or inclusive finance is helpful, but most of all, we’re looking for someone who believes that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.

If that sounds like your kind of place, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact Adam Stacey, Managing Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

Closing date: 13 October 2025
Interviews with Opportunity International UK: w/c 27 October and w/c 3 November 2025

Kids in Museums is an award-winning small charity dedicated to making museums, galleries and heritage sites more welcoming and accessible for all families, children and young people, especially the millions who still face significant barriers to visiting. We are looking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees to join our Board in December 2025. 

At an exciting point in Kids in Museums’ development, the new Chair will play an instrumental role in shaping the charity’s future. They will be passionate about access to culture and heritage and able to lead organisational development that is grounded in our mission and values. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone:

• with a deep understanding of the UK museum sector,

• experience of developing long-term strategies for growth,

• skilled at nurturing strong partnerships, 

• who values Kids in Museums’ unique sector support programme, 

• who would be committed to our work and advocating for the people and organisations we support. 

Founded in 2003, Kids in Museums has grown into an influential national charity that supports significant change in museums through powerful national programmes. Our mission is to work with museums nationwide to make them more welcoming for children, young people and families. We lead and support the sector to address ingrained inequalities to access, set standards of best practice in work with children, families and young people, build a skilled museum workforce and empower young people to become decision makers across the sector.

Guided by our mission and values, the new Chair will collaboratively lead the Board and staff team to embed sustainable organisational development which supports the charity’s ambitions and the growing, changing needs of the museum sector. 

Who They Are
CleanupUK, founded in 2007, is a young and ambitious charity with a strong focus on making every activity—whether organising a litter pick or holding a trustees’ meeting—engaging and enjoyable. The charity’s primary mission is to support residents in less affluent areas to come together, clean up parts of their community that local councils do not cover, and in doing so, create environments that are cleaner, stronger, and safer.

The Role
Now in its 18th year, CleanupUK is entering a growth phase and is seeking trustees with diverse backgrounds and experiences to join its board. Prospective trustees are likely to be passionate about litter and its impact on communities.

The charity is currently recruiting three new trustees who are willing to devote their time and expertise to supporting CleanupUK’s next stage of development. The three areas of expertise sought are:

• Financial (Deputy Treasurer)

• Fundraising

• Communications, marketing, or social media

Summary

We're seeking Trustees with expertise in grant making, the charity sector, finance or marketing to guide funding decisions and grow local philanthropy and benefit communities and charities across Essex.

Application Deadline

10/3/2025

Job Description

Become a Trustee and Make a Difference in Essex Next year marks 30 years of Essex Community Foundation (ECF) backing the charities at the heart of Essex, Southend & Thurrock. Each year we award grants to 500+ local organisations, supported by 200+ donors and fundholders. Why join our Board? Use your skills to shape funding that changes lives. Gain insight into the charity sector and work with people passionate about stronger communities. We’re recruiting voluntary Trustees with expertise in: • Grant making • Charity/voluntary sector • Finance • Marketing & Communications First-time or experienced Trustees welcome. We provide a full induction, ongoing training and mentoring. Commitment: Board meets 4× a year (in person/virtual). Roles are unpaid; expenses covered. We are passionate about our board reflecting the diverse communities we serve. Ready to help us grow our impact? Get in touch to learn more and apply.

Location

Essex

Working from

Hybrid

Remuneration

Voluntary role but expenses paid.

How to apply

Please submit your application via our website by 5pm on Friday 3 October 2025. Interested candidates can download our trustee Recruitment Information Pack via our website. Your Application must include your CV, and a short personal statement responding to three questions found in the pack. If you would like to have a chat with one of our current trustees, then please just email our recruitment team and we will arrange for a telephone call. 

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK

Time Commitment: Approx. 3–5 hours per month (may be more during start-up and registration phase)

About Us

Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Chair / Trustee to lead our board, provide strategic direction, and ensure effective governance. The Chair will guide the charity through registration and early operations while supporting the delivery of its mission.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the trustee board and ensure effective governance

· Chair board meetings and oversee decision-making

· Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development

· Act as a primary contact for stakeholders and regulators

· Oversee compliance with charity law and CIO regulations

· Assist with reporting to the Charity Commission

· Help guide the charity through its registration and initial set-up

Person Specification & Requirements

· Strong leadership, organisational, and strategic skills

· Familiarity with charity governance and trustee responsibilities (training can be provided)

· Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

· Ability to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

· Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

· UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

· 3–5 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

· Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

· Opportunity to shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

· Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

· Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

· Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

· Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

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

About Friends Provident Foundation

Friends Provident Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to building a fair and sustainable economic system that serves both people and the planet. Through a combination of grant-making, social investments, and the strategic use of its endowment, the Foundation connects, funds, supports, and invests in bold new ideas that contribute to shaping an economy that works for all.

Trustee Opportunities

The Foundation is seeking to appoint new Trustees to help guide and govern its programmes of giving and investment. These programmes are focused on enabling a fair and sustainable economy across the UK through funding impactful initiatives, generating knowledge, and deploying capital as a force for systemic change.

The Foundation is particularly interested in individuals who bring fresh perspectives and who are willing to challenge established thinking. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in how the economy functions and a genuine commitment to contributing to social change.

Candidates should share the Foundation’s mission and be motivated by the opportunity to use all of its assets—financial, reputational, and strategic—to create long-term impact. The Foundation is looking to appoint more than one Trustee and welcomes expressions of interest from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial management

• Social investment and/or capital market investment

• Organisational development

• Systems change

Trustees work closely with the Foundation’s executive team to advance its mission and are expected to commit an average of one day per month to Board activities.

In line with its commitment to equity and inclusion, the Foundation actively welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups across age, ethnicity, geography, physical ability, and socio-economic experience.

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the Foundation’s website.

If there are any potential barriers to participation, the Foundation encourages individuals to get in touch to discuss how these might be addressed.

Are you fascinated by the marine world?  Would you like to use your skills, creativity and energy to help us improve knowledge of the marine environment and promote its importance and value?  Are you interested in widening your horizons?  If any of these apply to you, you might just be the person we are looking for to join our Board.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is an independent marine research organisation, founded in 1884, and one of the world’s oldest oceanographic institutions.  Based on the west coast of Scotland, near Oban, SAMS is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science has a positive attitude towards diversity.  We are committed to equality of opportunity and inclusivity amongst our staff and students: we aim to achieve balanced gender representation in our Board membership.

We are committed to:

• The creation of new knowledge about the marine environment through undertaking world leading and innovative research;
• The dissemination of that knowledge, not only through inspirational formal educational programmes, with our principal partner, the University of the Highlands and Islands, but also the enhancement of societal awareness through our public engagement activities;
• Using our knowledge to provide solutions for the ethical and sustainable use of marine resources, both in our local environment and internationally.

SAMS research spans the breadth of marine science, tackling the Grand Challenges facing the World today.  We work on diverse interdisciplinary research questions, focusing on three major challenges:

• To discover the physical and biological processes that drive the marine environment.
• To describe and quantify how coastal environments respond to ever-increasing pressures.
• To develop a sustainable blue economy.

We are seeking new TRUSTEES to join the SAMS Board, commencing in late Autumn 2025.

In general, individuals are sought who can demonstrate one or more of the following:

• An ability to operate strategically and collaboratively towards common goals.
• Background in marine / environmental science research
• Experience of higher education
• Background in finance, risk/compliance and/or law.
• Background in media and communication, and/or public engagement
• Senior operational role in a university, research or third sector organisation.
• Experience of building effective philanthropic / fundraising relationships and networks.
• Demonstration of a strong commitment to equality and diversity.

On this occasion we are seeking individuals who can help strengthen the scientific complement, finance and audit.  We are also seeking to appoint a new ambitious role: a trustee to act as a representative of the Ocean.  SAMS has taken the bold step to ensure that SAMS governance is not exclusively anthropocentric.  This trustee role will be the first time we have recruited for the position and the person appointed will help develop the role.

These positions are unremunerated.  Appointments will be for an initial three-year term that may be extended for up to a further three-years.  The minimum time commitment, including preparation for and participation in formal committee meetings, is approximately 10 days per annum.  There are a number of sub-committees of the Board, and most Trustees are also members of these committees, for which extra time commitment of two or three days is required.  Most meetings are held in Oban, the other half online.  Should travel expenses be incurred these will be reimbursed. 

Application for the role is by:

• covering letter indicating which role (or roles) interest you; and
• a short CV

The deadline for applications of 28 September 2025.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview virtually in October with the possibility of face-to-face interviews later.

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.