Volunteer chair of trustees volunteer roles

Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees

The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I joined the organisation a year ago as chair and am enjoying steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy. AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this strong base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups. We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.

Yours,

Imelda Redmond

AUKEL Chair of trustees

About us Age

UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.

Our work

Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community.

Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.

How we help

1. We tackle poverty

Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost-of-living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge.

2. We alleviate loneliness

According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme.

3. We improve health.

Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result.

4. We increase independence.

Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services.

The Team

We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Two years ago, the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy.

Who we are looking for

We want our trustees to understand the community we serve and are therefore specifically looking for applicants who live in and/or have strong connections with Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Newham. Additionally, we are determined to increase the diversity of the current Board in line with our organisational EDI Objectives. For this reason, we are actively seeking candidates from the Global Majority (all non-white ethnic groups, including Black, Asian, and other groups previously labelled as "ethnic minorities" or ‘BAME’).

Previous experience in the voluntary sector, adult social care, NHS, or similar relevant experience to the work of AUKEL would be helpful. As would communications/marketing experience. However, this is potentially a developmental role where you will gain knowledge and experience of charity governance – so the most important thing is your commitment to our organisational aims and your local connection.

You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our local population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings).

If you're new to being a trustee, we can offer additional training and pair you with a fellow trustee as a ‘buddy’ to help guide you. They’ll be there to walk you through trustee materials, answer any questions, and provide support along the way.

Full role description can be found in appendix 1

What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board

'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.' (Teresa, a current trustee)

New Trustees will complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members. During your induction you’ll have the opportunity to really understand our services and get to know our team. You’ll be able to ask any questions you want and visit any service you wish!

Time commitment

The full Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in our Hackney centre.

We hope that all our trustees additionally sit on a sub-committee which reflects their interests and/or expertise. All the Committees meet quarterly the Finance Committee meets on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm usually face to face in Bethnal Green, the People Committee 5 meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee usually meets from 6.00-7.30pm on Thursdays online.

Travel expenses can be reimbursed.

Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise.

The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance.

How to apply

If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board.Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.

Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.

Closing date is the 30th of June.

Appendix 1

Trustee role description

The Board is responsible for the smooth-running of the organisation and supporting the Chief Executive. You will be supporting our 70+ members of staff and part of our 80+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London.

Main tasks

• Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance.
• Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities.
• Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations.
• Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this).
• Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances.
• Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work.

Person specification

We’re looking for someone who:

• Cares about older people and wants to make a positive difference in their lives.
• Is open-minded, fair, and respectful, and values the opinions and experiences of others.
• Understands equity, diversity, and inclusion and its impact on older people and organizational practices
• Is committed to the charity’s mission, values, and social impact.
• Is reliable, committed and can dedicate some time to attending meetings and getting involved in the charity’s work.
• Is willing to learn about the charity’s work, the role of a trustee, and the challenges older people face.
• Can work well with others as part of a team, sharing ideas and supporting the charity’s goals.

It would be helpful (but not essential) if you:

• Have personal or professional experience with older people, or an understanding of the issues they face.
• Have lived experience or a connection to the charity’s mission.

Sussex Wildlife Trust

At Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) we want to create a Wilder Sussex – for the incredible variety of important species and habitats to be protected and restored so that wildlife cannot only survive but thrive. The precious landscapes that we all love must be protected for the future and our county made more resilient to climate change so that we can provide a safe home for wildlife and people long into the future.

You don’t have to have previous experience of working in the charity sector or being a Trustee to apply for this role. We are looking for people who are committed to our values of inclusion, collaboration, passion and innovation and have heaps of enthusiasm for wildlife and our work. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of our movement and our own strategy, supporting all individuals and communities who want to connect with nature. 

We’re committed to building a diverse Board of Trustees and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To champion wildlife and natural places everywhere in Sussex and inspire people to take action for nature we need to embrace a variety of perspectives by involving more people from diverse backgrounds. Younger people and people from ethnically diverse communities are currently underrepresented in our organisation and across the conservation and environment sector and we are therefore particularly interested in hearing from people from these groups.  Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete you application or hear about the role of a Trustee.  

If this is you and you fit the role description, then we want to hear from you. You could be part of the team that steers our charity and its governance at a critical but also exciting time as we deliver our new strategy for 2030.

This information pack contains all you need to know about the role on offer, and it will give you a flavour of our amazing charity and the vital work we do for wildlife and people across all of Sussex. As you read through this pack, and explore our website too, we hope you will be inspired by all that SWT has to offer and will be excited by the opportunity to show us what you can bring to our team. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Landmark Arts Centre is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to continue their journey. The independent charity responsible for operating one of the largest multidisciplinary arts venues in south-west London.

Who they are

The Landmark is an independent Arts Charity responsible for operating one of the largest multidisciplinary arts venues in south-west London. For 30 years, they have been a vital cultural and creative hub for all. Housed in a stunning Grade II* listed building in Teddington, they welcome over 50,000 people annually to a rich programme of performances, classes, workshops, art fairs, exhibitions, and entertainment.

The role

They are seeking a Chairperson able to:

Be an enthusiastic advocate and ambassador of the Landmark Arts Centre and the arts in general.

Shape the future next steps to build on what they have already achieved and ensure they are able to deliver on the potential that their magnificent space offers to audiences and artists.

Work with the community and its leaders, the trustees, and the staff team in promoting well-considered strategic decision-making, effective oversight, and a culture of inclusion.

Role purpose:
To contribute to the board’s role by...

• Acting in the best interest of Hospiscare and its beneficiaries
• Acting as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Providing strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining desired outcomes, setting targets, and evaluating performance against targets
• Working closely with the Executive Team, whilst retaining independent oversight of activities
• Holding the Executive Team to account
• Ensuring that Hospiscare complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that Hospiscare pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
• Ensuring that resources are used exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, charitable purposes, long-term financial viability, and the safeguarding of assets.

Role details:

Time commitment/location:
Trustees will be expected to attend four board meetings, circa four
committee meetings and one to two away days a year and be fully
prepared for these meetings. These meetings start at 4pm on a
Tuesday and are held at Searle House in Exeter. We also have sub-
committees and trustees are encouraged to join where their
skills/experience will had specific value.
Trustees are expected to travel within the area served by
Hospiscare and occasionally out of area.
Term:
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term and may serve a
maximum of three terms.
 

Who they are

Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.

The role What will you do?

● Complete an introduction for your role.

● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.

● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.

● Work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within the local Citizens Advice to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice.

● Provide support and assistance to the Chair and the Chief Officer in carrying out their responsibilities, acting as a ‘critical friend’ and sounding board.

● Take on specific responsibilities delegated by the Chair, e.g., supporting new trustees with their induction.

● Carry out the Chair’s duties in their absence, with the acknowledgment of the board as being capable and suitable to do so.

● Be prepared to take over as Chair in the near future.

● Be open to approaches, where appropriate, from other trustees about the work or judgment of the Chair. The Vice Chair will then discuss any issues arising with the Chair or National Citizens Advice.

● Take an active role in discussions during board meetings and work with other trustees to:

● Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice.

● Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.

● Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.

● Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.

The Network of Wellbeing (NOW) is looking for two new Trustees to guide and support the NOW team (above). We’re particularly keen to find someone to act as our Company Secretary and another to advise and guide the management of our staff and volunteers. Do you think you could help? If so, we’d love to hear from you. The roles are unpaid but immensely rewarding. 

The Network of Wellbeing connects people, supports projects and inspires action for the wellbeing of people and the planet. We would love to bring on board two new Trustees who care passionately about our vision of people and the planet thriving together.

Trustees play an essential role in any charity and the Network of Wellbeing is no exception. Trustees are the supreme governing body in a charity. They determine its aims, its strategy and oversee all its operations. They are responsible in law for ensuring that it delivers its charitable objects.

Trustees also bring vital skills and experience to the charity’s management. We have reviewed the expertise and roles played by our existing Trustees – and found that they have strengths in business development, charity governance and environmental sustainability, to name but a few. They use their knowledge – and their wisdom – to guide the staff and inform key strategic decisions – and our existing Trustees gain a deep sense of joy and fulfilment from the role they play.

We are now looking for two new Trustees to complement and strengthen our existing Board. We are especially keen to find:

• someone to be our Company Secretary: This person will be responsible for:
  • advising Trustees and the Director on corporate governance and financial management;
  • overseeing the preparation of agendas and the taking of accurate minutes;
  • keeping up to date with regulatory or statutory changes and policies that might affect us;
  • liaising with our auditors, Companies House and the Charities Commission.
• someone to advise on and guide the management of our team of staff and volunteers. This would include:
  • advising Trustees and the Director on all matters relating to the management of staff and volunteers;
  • ensuring we have an up to date suite of policies and procedures;
  • guiding the management of the staff, including on pay, to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Trustees have the opportunity to use their skills and experience to help others and to further a cause they are passionate about – something wellbeing experts argue is key to living a meaningful life.

The commitment is four two-hour meetings per year – three of which meetings which are held online. We also like our Trustees to come and see us annually (in Devon) in person at least once.

We are committed to diversity, fairness and inclusion – and to building wellbeing together for everyone. We’re therefore keen to diversify our existing Trustee group to ensure it more broadly reflects the diversity of people in the UK. With that in mind, we’d welcome applications from people from a range of different backgrounds and experiences.

Could you be a Trustee of the Network of Wellbeing? If you are interested, please see here for the role profile and details on how to apply.

All applications will be considered by a panel of Trustees with advice from the Director.

Are you interested in becoming Rowan's next Chair of Trustees? Discover how you can join our vibrant team and support adults with learning disabilities through the arts 

Ideally we are seeking applications from people with a background in the following:
• Interest in supporting adults with learning disability,
• Experience as a trustee, and / or previous experience as a Chair,
• Experience in some of the following: finance, budgeting, health and safety, governance, safeguarding and/or strategy.
• Willingness to attend and represent the charity at social events, sometimes in the evenings and at weekends,
• Ability to represent the charity in the community with local dignitaries,
• Interest in the arts.

The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is a charity championing cultural heritage, and the professional body for conservators. We are looking for two new Co-opted Trustees to bring strength and experience in financial management, legal services, HR, or business development to our Board of Trustees.

Icon's trustees are responsible for shaping our vision, mission, and for approving and monitoring Icon's annual business plan. Icon is now looking for two new Co-opted Trustees to bring strength an experience in financial management, legal services, HR, or business development to the board.

Serving as a Trustee is a vital and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to shape Icon's vision and support its continued success. Trustees also make decisions on all strategic matters, being responsible for the sound financial management of the company.

About the Board

Icon's Board of Trustees is currently comprises fifteen members, ten elected by the membership, and four co-opted by the Board, including the Chair. The Board is now seeking two Co-opted Trustees with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial management, either in a commercial or charitable environment, including familiarity with management accounts, financial risk and project finance
• Legal services
• Human resources and employment law
• Business development and marketing

It is not necessary for applicants to have had previous experience as a Trustee or non-executive director. Induction training and ongoing support will be provided, including the offer of a Board 'buddy' to help new Trustees settle into the role. A broad interest in cultural heritage is important, but direct experience in conservation is not required.

To learn more about Icon's dedicated Board of Trustees, please visit the Board of Trustees section of our website.

The Role

Trustees make decisions on all strategic matters and help ensure the financial stability of Icon. While the role is non-executive, it can require the equivalent of two working days a month. Trustees are expected to attend board meetings four times a year, and an additional strategic planning day annualy.

For further information on the role, Trustee duties, and commitments, please consult the Icon Volunteer Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Help thousands of older people in Essex live their best lives.

Do you believe every older person deserves to live a happy, connected and dignified life? Join Age Well East as our next Chair of Trustees and lead positive change across one of the UK’s most populous and diverse counties.

Age Well East supported over 4,000 older people last year through nearly 400 volunteers and 23 staff, delivering befriending, benefits advice, social activities, and mental health support. We operate virtually and face-to-face, from our base in Clacton and across the community.

Yet, challenges remain. An estimated 47,000 older people in Essex live in poverty, 29,000 experience loneliness, and we know that in neighbouring Suffolk, 179,000 older people currently have little support

.The Role

We’re seeking a new Chair to guide the next phase of our development. You'll provide strategic leadership, act as line manager to the CEO, and ensure we continue to grow our impact while maintaining strong governance.

The expected time commitment is around 2–3 days per month, aggregated across the month to support flexibility. Board meetings are held quarterly (mostly via video call), with additional engagement as needed.

To ensure a smooth handover, the successful candidate will be invited to Co-Chair alongside our current Chair, Nick Avery. The length of this transition period is flexible and will be tailored to the new Chair’s preference, with full transition expected by early 2026 at the latest.

About You

You’ll share our belief that all older people should be able to Age Well. You’ll be collaborative, values-driven, and a confident leader able to support our CEO and work effectively with our Board. While prior Chair experience isn’t essential, we are looking for someone who has served on a Board—whether in the charity, public or private sector. Fundraising experience is a plus, and so is a strong network or voice in support of older people.

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.

The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within  the organisation.
• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and  ensuring effective risk management. 
• Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
• Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the  highest levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.

The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:

• Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall  policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. 
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.

Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more  of the following areas: 

• Legal 
• Commercial and corporate affairs 
• Income generation 
• Application of AI and technology

The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.

Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.

The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.

The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.

We are looking for people who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.

You will demonstrate this through your experience working with marginalised communities (either in a frontline operational role, a policymaking role, or on the Board of another organisation) or personal lived experience as a member of a marginalised community.

We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.

We are looking to recruit 2- 3 new trustees and have a strong preference for any of the following or a combination of these skills:

• Finance/Accountancy qualification – we have an excellent Treasurer Trustee and are looking for a deputy
• HR
• Fundraising
• IT/Data management
• Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant

Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.

As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community. 

If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

About FilmBath

FilmBath/ Bath Film Festival has been a key part of the city’s cultural life since 1990. Renowned for its commitment to diversity, innovation and inclusion in film, the festival celebrates stories from around the globe, champions underrepresented voices, and brings cinema to new audiences in unique and engaging ways.

In addition to the flagship annual festival, FilmBath strives to collaborate with other organisations and festivals for year-round events designed to bring cinema into new spaces and reach wider audiences. An example of this was the new Movie at the Museum strand, part of the Curious Minds festival, which creates unique screenings and experiences in collaboration with local heritage sites, museums and cultural venues.

The FilmBath Team

FilmBath is a registered charity with no permanent staff. The festival is led by a freelance Festival Director, who is responsible for shaping the creative vision and structure of the festival, managing budgets, and reporting to the Board of Trustees. The Director also builds and maintains key partnerships with film and arts organisations, venues and cinemas, and leads on marketing, audience development, and stakeholder engagement.

A volunteer programming committee works under the direction of the Director to select the films shown at the festival. This committee helps ensure the programme reflects FilmBath’s values while appealing to a wide and diverse audience.

Delivery of the festival is supported by a small number of freelance production and technical staff, contracted by the Director, and a team of dedicated volunteer stewards who provide vital support during festival events.

This lean, collaborative structure allows FilmBath to remain agile and sustainable, delivering high-quality programming while nurturing a strong sense of community.

Sector Context

The cultural sector is facing a period of significant transition. Shrinking public funding, increased competition for sponsorship, and changing audience behaviours have created challenges for many arts organisations. Within the film festival landscape, these pressures are amplified by the growing availability of on-demand content and the rising costs of delivery. Yet, this moment also presents major opportunities: audiences are increasingly seeking shared, local, and meaningful cultural experiences – exactly what festivals like FilmBath are positioned to offer. With a strong identity, a collaborative spirit, and a dedicated community, FilmBath is well placed to reimagine what a regional film festival can be in the years ahead.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Chair of the Board of Trustees to help shape FilmBath’s strategic future. This is an exciting opportunity to join at a critical point in our development, supporting the organisation’s ambition to grow sustainably while retaining its distinctive identity and values.

As Chair, you will work closely with the freelance Director and the Board to provide strategic leadership, champion fundraising efforts, and strengthen governance. With a lean delivery model, the Chair will play a visible and active role in helping to secure the long-term stability and impact of the organisation.

You’ll bring experience in business, fundraising and strategic planning to complement the Director’s creative and operational strengths, and have the enthusiasm to work collaboratively towards a shared vision.

FilmBath is at a pivotal moment in its development. Insights from a recent Strategy Day identified key priorities for the Board, including defining the festival’s cultural role within the local and national landscape, strengthening brand identity, and building long-term financial resilience through strategic fundraising and partnerships. The incoming Chair will be instrumental in supporting these developments, working closely with the Director to implement a clear, bold vision for the organisation’s future. The current chair of the board will be available to support handover to the incoming chair.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring the organisation fulfils its charitable purpose.
- Support the Director in shaping and delivering FilmBath’s long-term vision.
- Champion fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, sponsorship and bid development.
- Ensure good governance, financial oversight and compliance with charity law.
- Act as an ambassador for FilmBath within the cultural, business and philanthropic sectors.
- Lead and facilitate Board meetings and promote active trustee engagement.

Person Specification

- Demonstrable experience in business strategy, income generation or fundraising, ideally within the cultural or charitable sectors.
- Proven leadership and governance skills, with an understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of a charity trustee.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A collaborative and supportive approach to working with the Director and fellow trustees.
- Passion for film, cultural engagement, and FilmBath’s mission and values.

Time Commitment

- Quarterly Board of Trustees meetings
- Monthly one-to-one meetings with the Director
- Attendance at key events, including the annual festival and occasional stakeholder meetings
- Participation in sub-committees or working groups as needed

Strategic Priorities for the Board

The FilmBath Board of Trustees has identified several key priorities for 2025 and beyond:

- Clarifying our identity: defining our unique position as a festival rooted in Bath with national credibility
- Strengthening our brand: creating a compelling narrative to engage audiences, funders and the wider industry
- Investing in fundraising: growing our income beyond ticket sales by engaging major sponsors, trusts and individual donors
- Ensuring sustainability: building a delivery model that mitigates key person risk and secures long-term stability
- Deepening community impact: continuing to deliver diverse, inclusive, and memorable film experiences across the year

The new Chair will play a leading role in advancing these strategic priorities, supported by a dedicated Director, a skilled Board, and a passionate volunteer team.