Trustees volunteer roles

Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?

Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you! 

About us 

We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development. 

West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus. 

Each squadron has a committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets. 

Squadrons in this sector 

• 124 (Hereford City) Squadron, Suvla Barracks Army Reserve Centre, Harold Street, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 2QX
• 1002 (Ross-on-Wye) Squadron, Alton Lane, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5NB 
• 151 (Leominster) Squadron, 115 Bridge Street, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8DZ 

Why become a trustee? 

Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others - it’s about growing yourself too! 

• Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising. 

• Expand your network and become part of a supportive team. 

• Make a lasting difference to young people in your community. 

• Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy. 

What’s involved? 

Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes: 

• Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander 

• Funding requests and financial decisions 

• Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities 

• Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests 

Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise. 

What we’re looking for 

We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in: 

• Fundraising 

• Governance & charity compliance 

• Corporate partnerships 

No military background or youth work experience is required—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference! 

Opportunities for progression 

Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets. 

To join us, you’ll need to 

• Be 20 years or older 

• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years 

• Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron) 

• Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people. 

Typical joining process: 

1. Submit an expression of interest. 

2. We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more. 

3. Complete a simple online application if invited. 

4. Undergo a DBS and background check. 

This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks. 

Ready to make an impact? 

If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you!

We currently have a vacancy for a Trustee on the Board of the Mosaic Learning Trust, based in Standish, Wigan.

Our Trust comprises three schools across Wigan and Lancashire. We’re looking for someone passionate about making a genuine difference to children’s education and school experience.

Our Board brings together professionals from a wide range of backgrounds – whether your expertise lies in Human Resources, Marketing, Legal Services, Community Engagement, or another sector, your skills could help shape the future of our schools and improve outcomes for all our students. Prior experience in education isn’t necessary, as we provide full training and support.

This is a voluntary role, and we welcome interest from anyone who feels they have the skills and time to contribute. Being a Trustee is both rewarding and impactful – it’s a meaningful way to give back to the local community while developing valuable board-level experience.

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

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

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

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

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

We are looking for a Chair who:

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

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

We are looking for a Trustee who is passionate about arts and social justice, who wants to make a difference and is able to compliment our Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and Executive Director as we work together to develop the impact and profile of Cardboard Citizens.

We are looking for strategic thinkers and committed collaborators who are passionate about the arts and social justice.

We especially welcome those who can bring lived or professional experience in areas such as communications, campaigning, public engagement, fundraising, or media- skills that will help us grow our public profile and deepen the impact of the stories we tell.

We believe that the need for Cardboard Citizens is as urgent as it ever has been with the current external environment and the challenges for our communities with experience of homelessness and poverty.

Whilst we'd like to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and experiences, we are particularly keen to hear from those with skills in any of the following areas:

• Digital, New Media
• Communications / public relations
• Environment & Sustainability
• Development
• Strategic partnerships

The general attributes we're looking for in a potential Trustee include:

• Good judgement
• An ability to think creatively and strategically
• An ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• An active commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• An ability to command trust and respect
• An understanding and acceptance of a Trustee's legal duties and responsibilities
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required.

Trustees will be required to:

• To serve an initial term of 4 years, with the possibility of re-appointment until 8 consecutive years' service has been reached.
• To attend 4 x 2-hour Board Meetings a year, committee meetings as required, as well as an annual Away Day.
• To attend events, performances, workshops and other engagements, to gain a full experience of the breadth of Cardboard Citizens work.
• To sit on one of the Board's Committees.
• To provide specialist advice and expertise as required and appropriate.
• To advocate and champion Cardboard Citizens' work, values, ambition, and strategic direction.

 BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON

Clerk to the Board of Trustees

Voluntary role

Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies.

The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service. We are recruiting a Clerk to the Board of Trustees to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.

Overview

Baby Basics Northampton are seeking a friendly, efficient and reliable individual to act as a clerk to our Trustee (governing) board.

Working effectively with the Chair of Trustees and other Trustees, the Clerk will be responsible preparing agendas for meetings and ensuring the smooth running of meetings and maintaining accurate records.

This is a part-time voluntary role with circa 12 meetings held annually in-person. It is anticipated the role will require a commitment of 4 hours per month. Most meetings are held in the evenings. There may be opportunities to support outside of the meetings at events etc.

Responsibilities

• Produce, collate and distribute agendas and papers to ensure Trustees receive them within the agreed timescale;
• Ensure meetings are quorum;
• Attend meetings and take accurate and objective minutes with timescales for action;
• Submit draft minutes for amendment/approval and circulate approved documents;
• Monitor and report back on actions;
• Maintain records of Trustees membership, attendance, and terms of office;
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and maintain confidentiality at all times;
• Provide procedural advice to the Trustee Board as required;
• Deal with the administration concerning new Trustee appointments;
• Initiate a welcome pack/letter to be sent to newly appointed Trustees, including details of terms of office;
• Monitor the dedicated email address regularly and respond/forward emails as appropriate;

Requirements

• Good standard of general education.
• Proven experience in an administrative or clerical role is essential.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and impartiality.
• Knowledge of charity governance regulations (or willingness to undergo training).
• Proficiency in using email, OneDrive / Sharepoint and online meeting platforms.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact within the community. You will be working in a small energetic team making a difference to families across Northamptonshire.

The work will be interesting and rewarding as your expertise helps to shape the future of the charity as it goes through a significant period of change and expansion.

Pay: Voluntary

Work Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire.

If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that.

Thank you for your interest.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that ESS Education and Support Services achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that ESS Education and Support Services has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ESS Education and Support Services to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

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

Duties:

· Support and provide advice on ESS Education and Support Service’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee ESS Education and Support Service’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve ESS Education and Support Services’ financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to ESS Education and Support Services’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in ESS Education and Support Services’ operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of ESS Education and Support services’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ESS Education and Support Service’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of ESS Education and Support Services objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

ESS Education and Support Service are looking for Trustees from the following backgrounds: Legal, Financial.

Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

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

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values.

· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

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

· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

· Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held virtually.

· Attending charity events and other such commitments.

Support inclusive spirituality, education, and compassionate leadership

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is a registered educational charity, founded in 1996, that promotes inclusive spirituality and serves people of all faiths, and none. We train open-hearted adults to serve their communities as interfaith ministers, celebrants, and spiritual companions, supporting life’s important moments through ceremony, ritual, and compassionate care.

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.

We are currently seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of our organisation. We're especially interested in individuals with experience in marketing, legal affairs, HR, adult education, fundraising, finance, or IT.

This is a meaningful opportunity to:

• Help guide an organisation where spiritual exploration meets learning, where inclusive communities flourish, and where people are supported to offer spiritual care with courage, compassion, and understanding.

• Contribute your professional skills in a nonprofit trustee role aligned with your values

• Help grow an organisation at the intersection of education, spirituality, and social transformation

What We’re Looking For:

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

• Marketing, communications, or branding

• Charity law or legal compliance

• Fundraising, development, or grant-writing

• Finance, accounting, or business planning

• Human Resources or organisational development

• Education or curriculum development

• Interfaith ministry, chaplaincy, or spiritual direction

That said, please don’t be discouraged if you don’t tick every box. If you feel inspired by our values and can uphold our Code of Ethics, we warmly encourage you to apply or get in touch for a conversation! 

You do not need to be a OneSpirit minister or graduate, we welcome interest from both alumni and the wider community.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a values-led, inclusive team committed to compassion and transformation

• Support a charity making a meaningful impact in spiritual education and interfaith work

• Develop new skills in nonprofit governance and strategic leadership

• Connect with a thoughtful, heart-centred network of trustees, staff, and ministers

Commitment to Inclusion:

We believe our strength lies in the richness of our differences. We are wholeheartedly committed to building a Board that reflects the diverse communities we serve, across race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, culture, faith, identity, background, and lived experience.

Whether your path has been traditional or unconventional, whether you’re seasoned in governance or bringing your voice to a boardroom for the first time, you are welcome here.

If you feel called to contribute, we would be honoured to hear from you.

Interested in Joining Us? 

At OneSpirit, there are many ways to contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. Whether through leadership, service, or spiritual growth, your presence makes a difference.

If you feel drawn to our mission and want to offer your time, wisdom, and heart to OneSpirit’s future, we’d love to hear from you. 

You can learn more about our team, our work, and our organisation on our website.

Curious about the training we offer? Come and train with an organisation committed to spiritual exploration, nurturing inclusive communities of care, and creating spaces where understanding and belonging can flourish. Explore the Cherry Tree Pathway, our two-year ministry and spiritual development training, and begin your journey today. Learn more about our training from our website.

Help shape the future of mental health support in Devon

Step One is a long-established and ambitious charity, with over 85 years’ experience supporting people across Devon with mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and neurodiversity. Each year, we work with up to 800 individuals, helping them to live more independently and thrive in their communities.

We are seeking to further strengthen our Board of Trustees as we continue to grow and deliver our 5-year strategy. To complement our current strengths, we are looking for someone with a clinical background, with an emphasis on mental health, which could include experience as a clinical psychologist, GP, mental health nurse, or OT, amongst others.

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in providing strategic oversight and governance, ensuring that Step One remains resilient, innovative, and impactful in a challenging but exciting environment. You will join a committed and diverse Board and have the opportunity to contribute your expertise to support our Chief Executive, senior leadership team, and staff.

What we offer Trustees:

• A chance to use your skills and experience to make a real difference in people’s lives.
• The opportunity to shape the direction of a respected and growing charity.
• A supportive and inspiring environment, working alongside a team who share your passion for improving mental health and wellbeing.

Commitment:
Trustees commit an average of 10–15 hours per month, including Board and Committee meetings (held in Exeter, with some remote options). The role is unremunerated, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

About us: 

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

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

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

Purpose of the role:

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

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

Duties:

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

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

What we are looking for

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

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

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

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

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

Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney is a local and impactful homelessness charity which provides, for up to 52 people (companions) who have been homeless and experienced the trauma this can cause, with a home, meaningful employment and subsequently the ability to make equitable life choices and take action towards living authentic, settled, healthy and fulfilling lives in the wider community. 

We are one of 29 Emmaus Communities across the U.K. which form part of Emmaus UK, which is a federated charity and in turn part of the wider Emmaus International Movement. 

Our current Chair of Trustees is due to come to the end of their term in the middle of next year and we are looking to appoint a Chair (Designate) to takeover and lead the delivery of our ambitious strategic plan. 

We are committed to diversity and equality and are a secular organisation and warmly encourage applications from all faiths, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities.  Above all we are currently looking for applicants who are passionate about helping and developing others and would warmly welcome people with lived experience of homelessness.  We are particularly interested in applicants who have experience in one or more of the following areas of expertise: 

• P.R., fundraising and building effective partnerships. 
• Social housing and benefits. 
• Leading customer facing enterprises. 
• Managing social care, support and mental health services.

Your primary role will be to provide sound governance to our charity and working with the Board of Trustees, C.E.O., committed management team and companion representatives, set its strategic direction and oversee its delivery, whilst ensuring adherence with its charitable objectives, purpose, values and governing documents. 

In return you will get the satisfaction of seeing and helping people develop their ambitions, increase their self-esteem and make a positive contribution to the wider society.  You will also gain valuable experience in charity governance and strategic leadership together with opportunities for personal and professional development 

Full induction training will be provided, together with reasonable travel expenses. 

We are located in the tranquil South Norfolk countryside and any in-person meetings that are required will normally be held at our Ditchingham site. 

The time commitment is approximately 10-12 hours per month, including attendance at meetings. 

BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON

Trustee Recruitment 

Volunteer role 

An exciting opportunity to volunteer your skills to support a much-needed local charity working across Northamptonshire. 

Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies. 

The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service.  We are recruiting new Trustees, to join the Board to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.

If you believe you could make a difference, we’d really like to hear from you.

Areas of special interest to us include experience of: 

Health/NHS Sector

Fundraising

Marketing & Communications

Charity board experience is desirable but not as important as a desire to make a positive contribution to the wider community.

Trustees are expected to attend monthly meetings, preferably in person, and a full induction will be provided.  In addition to board meetings, we encourage Trustees to visit and occasionally support the small staff team at the Baby Basics Northamptonshire office.

Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience and interest in joining the Board of Trustees.

If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that. 

Thank you for your interest. 

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2 – 4 hours per month

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 General Trustee to join our board, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure effective governance. This is a key role in shaping the charity’s early operations, supporting registration, and contributing to the delivery of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend quarterly trustee meetings (in person or virtually) and participate in board decision-making

• Support governance, strategy, and operational planning for the CIO

• Contribute ideas, experience, and skills to help the charity grow

• Assist with compliance, reporting, and adherence to charity law and CIO regulations

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development as needed

Person Specification & Requirements

• Interest in charity governance, mental health, and expedition-led projects

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

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

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

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• Approx. 2 - 4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

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

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to help 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

Closing Date:

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

The Role:

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

Our Organisation:

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

Treasurer Role:

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

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

The Person We’re Looking For:

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

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

Responsibilities of All Trustees:

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

Trustee Person Specification:

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

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

To Apply:

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

Margaret Green Animal Rescue, a well-established and respected charity dedicated to rehoming and caring for unwanted, abandoned, and mistreated animals, is seeking a Clerk to the Board of Trustees. With centres in Dorset and Devon, the charity has been a vital part of the community for decades, offering sanctuary and second chances to animals in need.

As Clerk, you will play a key role in supporting the governance of the charity by ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the Board. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute agendas and supporting documentation for Board meetings.
• Accurately record and produce comprehensive minutes of meetings.
• Maintain statutory records and ensure compliance with governance requirements.
• Provide procedural and constitutional advice to the Board.
• Liaise with the Chair to plan the annual cycle of meetings, topics/attendees and key governance activities.
• Support ad hoc governance tasks as required.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Clerk to a Board, preferably in the charity or education sector.
• Excellent organisational and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines.
• Based in Dorset, with the ability to attend six in-person meetings per year in Dorset and one in Devon, as well as virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams.

What We Offer

• A flexible, freelance opportunity to support a meaningful cause.
• A fixed fee of £200 per meeting, with £20/hour for additional governance support.
• The chance to work with a passionate and committed Board and leadership team.

About Margaret Green Animal Rescue

With centres including Church Knowle and Lincoln Farm in Dorset, and Wingletang in Devon, Margaret Green Animal Rescue is a registered charity (No. 1167990) that provides shelter, care, and rehoming services for cats, dogs, and other animals. The charity is committed to animal welfare and community engagement, offering boarding services and volunteer opportunities to support its mission