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!

About the Role 

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Sense. You will work alongside a diverse and committed Board to ensure the charity continues to deliver high-quality, person-centred support to disabled people with complex needs. 

We are looking to recruit up to four new Trustees to join our Board. The Board meets a minimum of four times a year in person — twice in Birmingham and twice in London — with an annual away day, which may be residential. Meetings are held during the working day and typically last around 6 hours, including breaks. 

In addition to Board meetings, you will also join at least one of the following committees, which meet online four times a year, online, in the lead-up to each Board meeting: 

• Finance and Audit Committee
• Operations Committee
• Engagement Committee
• Nominations and Remuneration Committee 

 As Sense is both a registered charity and a company, Trustees also serve as Company Directors, with names publicly listed at Companies House and the Charity Commission. 

Expertise and knowledge and experience 

We are particularly looking for the following experience for new trustees; 

• Finance 
• Social Care 
• Campaigning 
• Fundraising 
• Safeguarding 

Your Impact 

As a Trustee, you will help shape Sense’s strategic priorities, hold leadership to account, and act as a champion for the values and mission of the organisation. You will also have the opportunity to engage with Sense’s services directly, visit local centres or shops, and see first-hand the difference we make. 

Access and Inclusion 

We are committed to making this opportunity fully accessible. Sense will cover all reasonable adjustments required to enable disabled people to fully participate as Trustees. We recognise that needs may change over time, and we are prepared to provide ongoing support and flexibility. 

We strongly encourage applications from disabled people and women, as well as individuals from other underrepresented backgrounds, to help us build a more diverse and inclusive Board. 

If you’re ready to use your experience, insight or passion to help break down barriers and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you. 

About Sense  

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.  

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.   

This is an exciting time to join Sense as we continue to deliver our bold strategy, guided by our vision of a world without limits for disabled people with complex needs. As a Trustee, you will help shape and support Sense on this journey, ensuring our plans are ambitious, inclusive and achievable. You will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s future direction, ensuring our strategy reflects the voices and experiences of the people we support and that our work continues to deliver lasting impact. 

South Mitcham Community Association (SMCA) is looking for new Trustees.

We are a small charity, running a much-valued community centre in the heart of Mitcham.

We are looking for people to join our Board of Trustees, helping us to meet our ambitions in creating a Community Hub.

If you have an interest in any of the following, then we would love to hear from you:

• Community development and outreach – meeting new people
• Developing new projects and activities
• Listening to others and putting forward their ideas and views
• Being an advocate and representing the charity

We need people with a range of skills, but commitment, interest and passion are just as important.

We meet every 2 months, and there may be the odd additional meeting, bit of work in-between.

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role.

Emmaus Mossley is seeking to recruit new people with a mix of experience and expertise to our Board of Trustees. This is an exciting and important time for our charity’s ambitious strategy, as we work to help more people out of homelessness and poverty.

Emmaus Mossley is a well-established charity, achieving our core aims and delivering impact with embedded values and good governance structures already in place. Joining the Emmaus Mossley Board of Trustees is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity, especially as we look forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2027.

About Emmaus Mossley

Emmaus Mossley is a dynamic charity that provides a home, tailored support, training and work opportunities to people who have experienced homelessness. We go beyond just offering a bed for the night; Emmaus provides people with longer-term support, stability, opportunities for personal development, and a strong sense of community.

Emmaus Mossley is an independent local charity that is governed by a Board of Trustees who all live, work or are invested in the improvement of Tameside, Oldham and its surrounding communities. Whilst our work is focused locally, we are also part of a much wider Emmaus movement.

About the Charity Trustee – Company Secretary role

As part of Emmaus Mossley’s continued development, we are seeking to recruit a new trustee with Company Secretary responsibilities. We are looking for someone who can bring fresh perspectives, experiences and expertise, with an understanding of governance, trustee development and charity law.

Emmaus Mossley relies on a diverse group of people to become trustees and deliver good governance. Becoming a charity trustee at Emmaus Mossley is an opportunity to apply and develop your skillset for a worthwhile cause. This voluntary role offers variety, responsibility and satisfaction, especially seeing people overcome challenges to achieve their personal goals.

The Emmaus Mossley Board of Trustees meets six times a year. In addition to full trustee meetings, some trustees are members of our three committees that report to the board. Trustees also have the opportunity to get involved in other ways, including at events, external events and projects.

If you share our passion and principles for helping those most in need and have sufficient time and energy, please explore the trustee role and register your interest.

Bring your skills. Change lives. Become a SMART CJS Trustee.

SMART CJS is a dynamic charity supporting people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home. We’re looking for new trustees to join our friendly and committed Board, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring we remain a strong, effective organisation.

About the role
Trustees play a vital role in the governance of SMART CJS. Working closely with our senior leadership team, you will:

• Help set the charity’s overall direction and priorities.

• Ensure we meet our legal and financial responsibilities.

• Provide insight and expertise to strengthen our services.

• Support our mission to prevent homelessness and help people rebuild their lives.

Who we’re looking for
No previous board experience is necessary, full induction and training are provided. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with skills in:

• Fundraising and income generation

• Law

• Human resources

But above all, we want trustees who:

• Are committed to our mission and values.

• Can think strategically and work well as part of a team.

• Are willing to use their skills and experience to help us grow and adapt.

Time commitment

• Four Board meetings per year (held in the evenings, usually in Bedford).

• Some email contact between meetings.

• Optional involvement in sub-committees, events, or projects if you have time.

What you’ll gain

• The chance to make a real, lasting difference for people experiencing homelessness.

• Experience in governance and strategic decision-making.

• The satisfaction of using your skills for social good.

• Being part of a passionate, welcoming team of trustees and staff.

Location
Meetings are held in Bedford, but applications from across the region are welcome.

Role Title: Treasurer (Trustee)

Board/Committee:  Board of Trustees and Finance, Risk and Investment Committee

Remuneration:  Travel and subsistence will be paid for attendance at meetings in accordance with the CoSRH travel and expenses policy. Board members are not remunerated for their Board/Trustee work. 

Responsible to:  The Chair of the Board of the Trustees

Regular liaison with:

· Board of Trustees

· CoSRH President

· CEO

· Director of Finance and Operations

· Sub-Committees of the Board 

· External partners at senior level 

Duration of appointment:  Three-year term (with a possible extension of a further three years)

Time Commitment:  Trustees meet four times a year in London and/or virtually. Meetings last approximately three hours.  Trustees and Council meet jointly once per year in London and/or virtually. Meetings last approximately three hours.  The Finance, Risk and Investment Committee meets four times per year virtually. Meetings last approximately two hours.  In addition, Trustees are expected to allow time for reading of papers and preparation for meetings and for occasional events such as the AGM, attending relevant external events/training and induction. 

Who we are:

The College of Sexual and Reproductive (CoSRH) is the leader in the field of sexual and reproductive healthcare, and we are the voice for professionals working in this area. As a multi-disciplinary professional membership organisation, we set clinical guidance and standards, provide training and lifelong education, and champion safe and effective sexual and reproductive healthcare across the life course for all. 

Can you help us?

The College of Sexual and Reproductive Health (CoSRH) is seeking an experienced financial professional to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is an exceptional opportunity to provide strategic financial leadership and make a meaningful impact on sexual and reproductive health across the UK.

As Treasurer, you will chair our Finance, Risk and Investment Committee and play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial stability, sustainability and growth over the next three years.

We're looking for a qualified finance professional (ACA, CIMA or equivalent) with senior-level experience in audit, investment and strategic financial planning. You'll bring strong governance expertise, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to guide an organisation through growth and change.

Purpose of the role:

The overall aim of the Trustee role is to provide strong leadership, direction and expertise to the governance of the CoSRH.

The Board of Trustees (‘the Board’) is the body with the legal duty to protect the mission and vision of the CoSRH and to ensure that it is run in accordance with legal requirements.

The role of the Board is to provide good governance and leadership by:

· Determining organisational strategy

· Determining organisational statutory policy

· Ensuring the organisation’s financial stability and sustainability, and agreeing the annual operational budget

· Appointing the Chief Executive (who is overseen by the Chair of the Board on behalf of the Board)

· Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive and their staff team

· Setting and monitoring procedures for assessing and managing risk

· Taking advice from members, Council, Committees and from specialist advisors

· Ensuring good communication between the Board, the Council and the membership, and providing feedback on Board decisions and discussions to these groups

· Monitoring strategy performance

· Representing the CoSRH externally where necessary

As a charity and company limited by guarantee, Board members are charity Trustees and company directors. They do not represent any group or organisation in this role and they must act in good faith and in the best interests of CoSRH and in accordance with the CoSRH Code of Conduct.

Treasurer

Chair the Finance, Risk and Investment Committee (FR&IC) and lead the committee as follows:

· To review progress of financial elements of the strategy and make recommendations thereon to the Board of Trustees.

· To review/consider the strategic plan in context of financial and budgetary impact.

· To review the annual budget along with any constituent elements including membership pricing and make recommendations to the trustees.

· To agree specific expenditure beyond that in the approved budget of up to £125k.

· To make a virement of budgets of up to £125k

· To keep under review through regular reports the delivery of approved capital projects both from the capital investment as well as the actual compared to the projected returns.

· Advise Remuneration Committee on the affordability of any changes to pay and or benefits.

· To review the CoSRH Board Assurance Framework including mitigations, consider the total risks being carried in light of the risk appetite and undertake regular reviews of the risks by rotation.

· To receive reports at each meeting on financial performance and report as required to the Trustees

· To review the draft annual accounts along with the audit report, ensure they are prepared in accordance with relevant accounting standards and Charity Commission guidance and recommend their approval to the Trustees

· To recommend appointment of CoSRH’s external auditors to Trustees and to keep under review the performance of the auditors.

· To review the external auditors’ planning document, their annual findings, report and recommend any required improvements to financial processes.

· To monitor and review the CoSRH’s pension schemes and make recommendations for change when appropriate.

· To review and approve new Business Cases and oversee delivery of benefits,

· To consider changes to the reserves policy and make appropriate recommendations to the Board.

· To keep under review CoSRH’s Investment Policy including compliance with the ethical investment policy and update as necessary.

· To agree and review the Trustee’s attitude to financial risk and the asset allocation strategy.

· To review at each meeting the performance of CoSRH’s portfolio of investments and to receive regular reports from the Investment Managers.

· To consider changes to investment strategy and make appropriate recommendations to the Board.

· To propose the appointment of external investment managers for CoSRH, if appropriate, and to manage their performance.

· To ensure that all transfers of investment funds between managers are properly authorised by the Board.

· To report to the Board of Trustees on the performance of the investments.

Main duties and responsibilities of a Trustee

Board members are required to: 

· Ensure that the highest standards of corporate governance are observed at all times

· Establish the overall strategic direction and governance of the CoSRH 

· Approve the budget and business plan for the CoSRH including the costs of Council and its committees

· Ensure the effective, efficient and appropriate use of resources available to the CoSRH

· Oversee the delivery of planned results by monitoring and reviewing performance against agreed strategic objectives and targets

· Ensure that the CoSRH operates within the limits of its objectives and authority

· Ensure that the CoSRH is accountable to key stakeholders within and outside the health sector

· Ensure that the CoSRH undertakes its work with due regard to equality and diversity issues

· Ensure that the CoSRH complies with all relevant legislative and administrative requirements including, but not limited to, company law, charity law, health and safety, data protection and equalities.

· Ensure that an effective risk management system is in place 

· Approve the annual budget 

Board members are expected to:

· Read all Board and Committee papers in advance of meetings

· Attend and make constructive contributions to Board and Committee meetings

· Provide specialist guidance on particular areas where they have expertise

· Commit to safeguarding the good name and values of the CoSRH 

· Be a champion and ambassador for the CoSRH 

· Abide by all relevant policies and procedures of the CoSRH 

· Agree and adhere to the CoSRH Board of Trustees Code of Conduct.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

· A financial accountancy qualification or equivalent experience (eg ACA, CIMA)

· Experience of audit, investment, strategic planning and budgetary planning

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team whilst keeping in mind the responsibility of being an individual trustee 

· Experience of guiding an organisation through growth and change 

· An understanding of and commitment to the values expressed in the CoSRH code of good governance 

· Confident and effective communication skills including listening skills 

· A track record of being able to process details quickly and get to the heart of an issue including financial issues 

· Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

· Understanding of the role of the Chair of Trustees, CoSRH President and CEO

· A track record of significant achievement at a senior level in the commercial private, public or not-for-profit sector

· Experience of board or committee membership in a charity, public sector or commercial organisation 

Desirable Criteria:

· Experience of board or committee membership in a charity, public sector or commercial organisation 

· Knowledge or experience of the charity sector

· Knowledge of the healthcare sector

To apply:

To apply please follow this link and upload your personal statement and CV outlining your suitability for the role. Treasurer (Trustee) job - Hybrid - College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

The closing date for applications is midday 21 November 2025.

Interviews are likely to take place w/c 1st December 2025 with the role due to commence in January 2026.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We value diversity, promote equality and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. 

Role Title  

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Board/Committee

Board of Trustees 

Remuneration  

Travel and subsistence will be paid for attendance at meetings in accordance with the ARFID Awareness expenses policy where required. Board members are not remunerated for their Board/trustee work.

Responsible to 

Board of Trustees

Regular liaison with 

· Board of Trustees

· Executive Directors

Duration of appointment 

Three-year term (with a possible extension of a further three years)

Overview

Established in 2019 and supporting a community of over 30,000 families ARFID Awareness UK is the only registered UK charity dedicated to raising awareness and further information about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.  As a not-for-profit, we provide individuals, parents, carers and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research and support.

We are equally committed to supporting medical professionals across varying specialities, by equipping them with the information they need to ensure that their patients receive an early diagnosis and have access to appropriate care.

Our charitable aims are to:

1) Raising awareness about the condition within the medical and associated professions and the general public in such ways as the trustees shall determine;

2) Providing advice and information in such ways as the trustees shall determine to enable and empower parents and carers to advocate for the children in their care;

3) Facilitating research into the condition, the useful results of which will be published for the public benefit;

4) Potentially providing grants of financial assistance to enable economically disadvantaged families to obtain necessary treatment and medication unavailable via the NHS.

5) Advancing the education of the public in the subject of ARFID.

With regards to our structure, we are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). As a CIO, our Charity Trustees are protected with limited liability, and whilst they are responsible for helping to manage the organisation, they do not hold dual roles of Company Director as they might with other charity structures.

Our mission is to remove the uncertainty, ambiguity and frustrations experienced by parents, carers and individuals over obtaining a diagnosis and treatment by providing general advice that may improve their journey.

Time Commitment

Trustees meet twice a year virtually. Meetings last approximately 2 hours.

The Remuneration Committee meets once per year virtually. Meetings last approximately 1 hour.

In addition, Trustees are expected to allow time for reading of papers and preparation for meetings, attending events training and induction.  As a small charity there may also be a requirement for additional input of approximately 1-2 hours per month specific to your professional background and expertise as we continue through a period of growth.

Purpose of the role: 

Board of Trustees

The Board of trustees (‘the Board’) is the body with the legal duty to protect the mission and vision of ARFID Awareness UK and to ensure that it is run in accordance with legal requirements.

The role of the Board is to provide good governance and leadership by: 

· Shaping ARFID Awareness UK’s organisational strategy 

· Approving organisational statutory policy

· Ensuring the organisation’s financial stability and sustainability 

· Appointing the Executive Director/s (overseen by the Chair of the Board on behalf of the Board) 

· Providing support and constructive challenge to the Executive Director/s and their staff

· Setting and monitoring procedures for assessing and managing risk 

· Taking advice from Board members and external specialist advisors 

· Monitoring strategy performance 

· Representing ARFID Awareness UK externally where necessary

As a charity CIO, Board members are charity trustees only. They do not represent any group or organisation in this role and they must act in good faith and in the best interests of ARFID Awareness UK.

Chair duties:

· Chair and facilitate board meetings

· Provide inclusive leadership to the organisation and the Board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of ARFID Awareness UK purpose and delivering strategic and charitable aims

· Ensure that the Board is effective in its task of setting and implementing the organisation’s direction and strategy

· Support each trustee to fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of ARFID Awareness UK

· Support and constructively challenge the Executive Director/s to ensure that ARFID Awareness UK operates in line with statutory and legal requirements and is effective in its outputs

· Ensure financial probity and that all resources are focussed on achieving the aims and objectives of the organisation for the benefit of the membership and delivery of charitable objects

· Appoint the Executive Directors

· Appoint and support the ARFID Awareness UK Treasurer

· Act as an ambassador of ARFID Awareness UK

· Ensure the smooth running of Board meetings, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment

· Ensure robust and compliant governance arrangements in adherence with charity and statutory regulation

· Lead Board development activities

Alongside the Executive Director:

· Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other meetings where required

· Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning

· Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation,

Where staff are employed:

· Liaising with the Executive Director/s to oversee the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate

· Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the Executive Director/s

Person Specification

Essential:

· Significant experience of charity governance and trusteeship, demonstrating understanding of best practice and regulatory compliance

· Proven experience of chairing boards, committees or senior leadership teams effectively

· Track record of supporting small to medium organisations through periods of growth, change and development

· Strong strategic thinking and planning skills with ability to provide vision and direction

· Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills, able to build consensus and manage diverse perspectives

· Confident and effective communication skills including active listening and constructive challenge

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team whilst maintaining independence and accountability as Chair

· Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and Chair role

Desirable:

· Senior leadership experience in the charity or non-profit sector

· Experience of supporting and appraising Executive Directors or senior leaders

· Knowledge of the healthcare sector and/or ARFID

· Understanding of charity finance, risk management and compliance frameworks

To apply please email your CV and covering letter to XXXXX by 17 November 2025.  Interviews are likely to take place the first week of December.

About the Role 

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Sense. You will work alongside a diverse and committed Board to ensure the charity continues to deliver high-quality, person-centred support to disabled people with complex needs. 

We are looking to recruit up to four new Trustees to join our Board. The Board meets a minimum of four times a year in person — twice in Birmingham and twice in London — with an annual away day, which may be residential. Meetings are held during the working day and typically last around 6 hours, including breaks. 

In addition to Board meetings, you will also join at least one of the following committees, which meet online four times a year, online, in the lead-up to each Board meeting: 

• Finance and Audit Committee
• Operations Committee
• Engagement Committee
• Nominations and Remuneration Committee 

 As Sense is both a registered charity and a company, Trustees also serve as Company Directors, with names publicly listed at Companies House and the Charity Commission. 

Expertise and knowledge and experience 

We are particularly looking for the following experience for new trustees; 

• Finance
• Social Care
• Campaigning
• Fundraising
• Safeguarding 

Your Impact 

As a Trustee, you will help shape Sense’s strategic priorities, hold leadership to account, and act as a champion for the values and mission of the organisation. You will also have the opportunity to engage with Sense’s services directly, visit local centres or shops, and see first-hand the difference we make. 

Access and Inclusion 

We are committed to making this opportunity fully accessible. Sense will cover all reasonable adjustments required to enable disabled people to fully participate as Trustees. We recognise that needs may change over time, and we are prepared to provide ongoing support and flexibility. 

We strongly encourage applications from disabled people and women, as well as individuals from other underrepresented backgrounds, to help us build a more diverse and inclusive Board. 

If you’re ready to use your experience, insight or passion to help break down barriers and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you. 

About Sense  

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.  

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.   

This is an exciting time to join Sense as we continue to deliver our bold strategy, guided by our vision of a world without limits for disabled people with complex needs. As a Trustee, you will help shape and support Sense on this journey, ensuring our plans are ambitious, inclusive and achievable. You will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s future direction, ensuring our strategy reflects the voices and experiences of the people we support and that our work continues to deliver lasting impact. 

Trustee for Home-Start Wokingham District

Do you want to help us improve the lives of parents and young children in Wokingham and surrounding areas?

You could be a trustee for Home-Start Wokingham District, an local charity that gives every child the best possible start in life.

 Set up in 1996, we offer “a lifeline”, a free family support service to families with at least one child under the age of five, provided by volunteers who are parents themselves, to support other parents. That home visiting service is unique in Wokingham Borough, providing compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental help and friendship to local parents struggling to cope with the daily challenges of family life.

We are affiliated to national Home-Start UK, but we are an independent local charity responsible for our own governance and securing our own funding.

We are looking for new trustees to join our Board, as our longer-standing trustees stand down.

What we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in early years, education and business. We’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries.

We are looking to refresh our Board as some of the trustees who’ve governed us for a while now stand down. If you can think strategically and help us plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees and will work collectively with all other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as support from local charity-support organisations is always available.  Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

We ask for about ten hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc., many of which are held online. You’ll need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom).

About the Role 

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Sense. You will work alongside a diverse and committed Board to ensure the charity continues to deliver high-quality, person-centred support to disabled people with complex needs. 

We are looking to recruit up to four new Trustees to join our Board. The Board meets a minimum of four times a year in person — twice in Birmingham and twice in London — with an annual away day, which may be residential. Meetings are held during the working day and typically last around 6 hours, including breaks. 

In addition to Board meetings, you will also join at least one of the following committees, which meet online four times a year, online, in the lead-up to each Board meeting: 

• Finance and Audit Committee
• Operations Committee
• Engagement Committee
• Nominations and Remuneration Committee 

 As Sense is both a registered charity and a company, Trustees also serve as Company Directors, with names publicly listed at Companies House and the Charity Commission. 

Expertise and knowledge and experience 

We are particularly looking for the following experience for new trustees; 

• Finance
• Social Care
• Campaigning
• Fundraising
• Safeguarding 

Your Impact 

As a Trustee, you will help shape Sense’s strategic priorities, hold leadership to account, and act as a champion for the values and mission of the organisation. You will also have the opportunity to engage with Sense’s services directly, visit local centres or shops, and see first-hand the difference we make. 

Access and Inclusion 

We are committed to making this opportunity fully accessible. Sense will cover all reasonable adjustments required to enable disabled people to fully participate as Trustees. We recognise that needs may change over time, and we are prepared to provide ongoing support and flexibility. 

We strongly encourage applications from disabled people and women, as well as individuals from other underrepresented backgrounds, to help us build a more diverse and inclusive Board. 

If you’re ready to use your experience, insight or passion to help break down barriers and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you. 

About Sense  

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.  

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.   

This is an exciting time to join Sense as we continue to deliver our bold strategy, guided by our vision of a world without limits for disabled people with complex needs. As a Trustee, you will help shape and support Sense on this journey, ensuring our plans are ambitious, inclusive and achievable. You will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s future direction, ensuring our strategy reflects the voices and experiences of the people we support and that our work continues to deliver lasting impact. 

About the Role 

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Sense. You will work alongside a diverse and committed Board to ensure the charity continues to deliver high-quality, person-centred support to disabled people with complex needs. 

We are looking to recruit up to four new Trustees to join our Board. The Board meets a minimum of four times a year in person — twice in Birmingham and twice in London — with an annual away day, which may be residential. Meetings are held during the working day and typically last around 6 hours, including breaks. 

In addition to Board meetings, you will also join at least one of the following committees, which meet online four times a year, online, in the lead-up to each Board meeting: 

• Finance and Audit Committee
• Operations Committee
• Engagement Committee
• Nominations and Remuneration Committee 

 As Sense is both a registered charity and a company, Trustees also serve as Company Directors, with names publicly listed at Companies House and the Charity Commission. 

Expertise and knowledge and experience 

We are particularly looking for the following experience for new trustees; 

• Finance
• Social Care
• Campaigning
• Fundraising
• Safeguarding 

Your Impact 

As a Trustee, you will help shape Sense’s strategic priorities, hold leadership to account, and act as a champion for the values and mission of the organisation. You will also have the opportunity to engage with Sense’s services directly, visit local centres or shops, and see first-hand the difference we make. 

Access and Inclusion 

We are committed to making this opportunity fully accessible. Sense will cover all reasonable adjustments required to enable disabled people to fully participate as Trustees. We recognise that needs may change over time, and we are prepared to provide ongoing support and flexibility. 

We strongly encourage applications from disabled people and women, as well as individuals from other underrepresented backgrounds, to help us build a more diverse and inclusive Board. 

If you’re ready to use your experience, insight or passion to help break down barriers and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you. 

About Sense  

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.  

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.   

This is an exciting time to join Sense as we continue to deliver our bold strategy, guided by our vision of a world without limits for disabled people with complex needs. As a Trustee, you will help shape and support Sense on this journey, ensuring our plans are ambitious, inclusive and achievable. You will play a key role in guiding the organisation’s future direction, ensuring our strategy reflects the voices and experiences of the people we support and that our work continues to deliver lasting impact. 

We are seeking volunteer Trusteew to join the Board of Trustees at WORTH to collectively oversee the administration and financial governance of the charity. The board is our governing body, providing strategy and direction and ensuring WORTH is run according to the rules. 

We are particularly looking for applications from individuals able to fill the role of Scretary or Treasurer.

About WORTH

WORTH is a charity providing long term aftercare to women affected by Domestic Abuse. We offer clients 1-1 support and a range of wellbeing groups including art, writing, music and self-defence to help rebuild their confidence and self-esteem.

We provide a safe space for clients to share experiences, give and receive practical and emotional support, learn new skills, reduce isolation, build friendships, and give women their voice back. It is a space where women can focus on their future and we can support our clients in their healing, post abuse.

To be able to provide this support we rely on a great team of volunteers with a wide skill set and a whole lot of passion to enable our services to work effectively.

Our Board of Trustees play a vital role in making sure that WORTH achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management, administration and governance of the charity. They also ensure that WORTH 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 to enable WORTH to grow and thrive and support more women in need.

Trustee Duties:

• Support and provide advice on WORTH's purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee WORTH'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 WORTH's financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to WORTH's CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in WORTH's operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of WORTH's own governance.
• Attend regular Trustee Board meetings and be adequately prepared to contribute to  discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect WORTH's interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of WORTH's objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
• The secratary will be responsible for record taking, including writing and distributing minutes of trustee meetings, putting together agendas for meetings and sending these out with notice of the next meeting.
• The Secretary will work closely with the Chair to enable the smooth running of meetings.
• The Treasurer will be responsible for overseeing and presenting the accounts to the Trustee meetings. We have an accountant doing the day-to-day management of our finances.
• The treasurer will work closely with the CEO in putting together the budget and monitoring the accounts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Trustee Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising meeting papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, 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 and skills on our Board of Trustees. We are particularly interested in candidates with business, finance and fundraising experience.

Previous governance experience is preferable but not essential. The role is open to remote and local applicants.

Applicant minimum age is 18.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as a Board of 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 the values of WORTH.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Knowledge and experience of business, finance and/or fundraising.
• An understanding of Domestic Abuse is an advantage but not essential as training will be provided.
• An understanding of client confidentiality, safeguarding, diversity and inclusivity in the services provided by WORTH.

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a two year term of office, with eligibility to renew and serve for two further terms to a maximum of six years.
• This is a voluntary unpaid position.

Time commitment

• Attending a minimum of six trustee board meetings annually, meetings are held remotely via Zoom once every two to three months.
• Attendance at ad hoc trustee meetings in addition to the minimum six annual meetings.
• Some emails between meetings

Trustee position available

We are currently looking for a skilled and enthusiastic individual to join our Board of Trustees.  Ideally we would like to recruit someone with experience in adult safeguarding as this is a key area of focus for our charity.

Would you like to help people on their journey from a life on the streets to independent living?  Do you want to develop strategies to address key causes of homelessness and rough sleeping like poor mental and physical health, drug and alcohol addiction, relationship breakdown and entrenched unemployment?

Harrogate Homeless Project is a local charity with 35 years experience in these areas.  Our services include a day centre, emergency accommodation, a16-bed hostel, 22 places in move-on housing and partnerships which address drug and alcohol rehabilitation, counselling, poor physical health and skills training alongside other relevant areas.

To find out more about joining the board of Harrogate Homeless Project please email our Chief Executive, Richard Cooper.  Richard will arrange an informal discussion with our chair, David Thomas.  Please include your CV and a covering letter giving brief details of your experience and details of why you would like to volunteer your time to be a trustee of Harrogate Homeless Project.

Crossness Pumping Station (overseen by the Crossness Engines Trust) is a unique and valuable museum of UK and world reknown telling the history of how the ambitious management of sewage transformed London as a city of growth and innovation in the 1860s and helped eradicate cholera. Preserved and restored by a group of enthusiasts since 1987, we are now entering a second phase of major restoration and we need visionary trustees who can help us achieve it.

This role is one of three we have created for experts in their field to help us implement a major programme over the next 5-10 years. It really is your chance to be part of our history!

As well as the usual trustee roles (outlined in the role description attached) the specific skills needed for this role include:

Role Objectives

• Acting as lead expert on the Board in relation to fundraising (eg grant funding, legacy funding, onsite donations, but not commercial trading/visitor charges).
• Advising on good practice and regulatory and policy issues in charity fundraising.
• Identifying future fundraising prospects and working with volunteers to achieve these.

Responsibilities

• Work with a volunteer lead/team on identifying future funding sources from grant-making bodies.
• Develop a fundraising strategy with volunteers.
• Develop corporate fundraising targets with other trustees.
• Investigate legacy fundraising and other visitor/member/donor opportunities.

Candidate requirements

 Essential

• Proven success in heritage or similar charity fundraising.
• Good knowledge of the standards required by the Institute of Fundraising.
• Ability to develop fundraising skills in volunteers.
• Good knowledge of relevant stakeholders in the fundraising community.
• Excellent communication skills including with staff and volunteers as well as fellow trustees.
• An understanding of the importance of collaboration and problem-solving.
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office 365.
• Commitment to attend board meetings regularly and volunteer for other sub-committees as appropriate.
• Able to devote around 2-3 hours per week on preparing for meetings.
• Treating colleagues with respect and politeness.

Desirable

• Experience in the charity sector.
• Experience as a volunteer in a similar organisation.
• Experience in Digital, Marketing and Finance would also be useful.