Volunteer community ambassador volunteer roles

Trustee – Little London Arts

Trustee Recruitment Information Pack

Background

Many thanks for requesting this information pack and your potential interest in becoming a trustee of what is currently called Little London Arts (LLA).

We were established in 2001 and have almost 25 years’ experience in organising cultural, social, learning and wellbeing opportunities with people who face a range of barriers, including those relating to older adulthood.

Our main current programme is based on the Cultural & Social Outings project. We provide regular trips and activities throughout the year across different environments, indoors and out.  They are developed in response to ongoing feedback from participants and take into account the specific needs, interests and contributions of those who attend. Some people are active in discussions and planning, while others are happy to just look forward to a day out. Either way, the programme has significant impact on health and wellbeing, with links to social prescribing and accessing nature.

With many of our members living in the inner-city, we feel it is important to enable people to have access to a wide range of experiences, especially beyond urban areas. Trips to the Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors, for example, form an important aspect of our programme, as do visits to places of architectural and/or heritage significance, whether on our doorstep or further afield.  This enables people to explore and engage with culture in the widest sense, learn about wildlife and ecology, or social history, as well as simply enjoying the views and fresh air. Many of our visits enable and encourage people to be active participants rather than mere observers.  They may include a talk, tour, or practical workshop, encouraging the development of new skills and interests, and knowledge sharing.

Trustee Recruitment

LLA is currently a constituted community organisation with a small management committee of three members.  We have one part-time member of staff who is our Project Developer and Co-ordinator.   We have an annual turnover of approximately £30,000 with ongoing plans to both maintain and grow our services.

In order to provide greater security, and open up access to further funding, we are in the process of registering as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).   This means that we need to recruit a board of trustees, initially 4-6 people, who will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and for its financial health.  We also need to change our name because we now work with people from across the city of Leeds, and no longer base our activities in Little London, where we were founded.  

The board is likely to meet once a quarter for 1-2 hours for a formal trustees meeting where we will review our financial and operational performance and discuss any matters of importance. Meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face, and online.  We also encourage trustees to support our work between meetings perhaps by joining one or more of the activities, being an ambassador for a particular area of our work such as marketing or finance for instance or using your skills and experience in some other way.  

Broadly we are looking for trustees who: 

• Have a commitment to our aims, objectives and ambitions
• Can devote the necessary time to being a trustee  
• Possess good judgement and independence of mind
• Are willing to work collectively as part of a group and want to engage in constructive debate to reach a conclusion 

In return we will offer you the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of local people. 

If you are interested in finding out more, please email us for a copy of our information pack. The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Friday 9th May 2025.  

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

Role Description and Person Specification

Role Title: Trustee (volunteer)

Reports to: Chair of the Board & Chief Executive

Based at: Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

Hours of work: 3-4 hours per month

Remuneration: This is a voluntary position and no payment will be made to the post holder,

other than genuine expenses, as set out in the volunteer policy

Overview

North Staffs Mind has been delivering mental health services to both adults and young people for almost 50 years. We have recently merged with Mid Cheshire Mind which will enable us to widen our reach across Staffordshire and Cheshire, ensuring we can provide support to even more people in need of our services.

We pride ourselves on our relaxed and friendly atmosphere and our commitment to delivering high quality, client focused, professional services that can adapt to meet the changing needs of the local community.

Time commitment

Typically Board meetings are held four times per year, plus additional time for our annual general meeting, sub-committee meetings, events, and occasional ad-hoc tasks. The role may require additional time commitment for reading papers, preparing for meetings, or representing the charity at external events.

Meetings are usually held in-person at an external local venue, with occasional opportunities for remote participation.

Role Purpose

As a Trustee, you will play a critical role in overseeing the strategic direction and governance of North Staffs Mind. Your responsibilities include ensuring the charity meets its objectives in supporting individuals with mental health challenges, maintaining financial stability, and complying with legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees act in the best interest of the charity, making decisions that align with its strategic plan, aims and values.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and strategic oversight:

· Contribute to setting the charity’s strategic direction, ensuring that it remains focused on its mission; we won’t give up until everyone with a mental health problem gets support and respect.

· Monitor the charity’s performance against its objectives, reviewing key performance indicators and assessing the impact of its activities.

· Hold the Chief Executive and senior leadership team to account.

· Ensure robust and effective governance policies and procedures are in place, regularly reviewed, and adhered to.

Financial Stewardship:

· Oversee the financial health of North Staffs Mind, ensuring resources are used effectively and that the charity operates within its means.

· Approve budgets, annual reports, and financial statements, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial matters.

· Ensure the charity has adequate risk management processes, including the identification and mitigation of financial risks.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

· Ensure the charity complies with its governing document (articles of association), charity law, and other relevant legislation and regulations.

· Keep abreast of changes in the legal and regulatory landscape that may affect the charity, ensuring that necessary adjustments are made.

Fundraising and Advocacy:

· Support and participate in fundraising efforts, helping to secure resources necessary for the charity’s operations and growth.

· Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work to external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the wider community.

Human Resources and Staff Wellbeing:

· Ensure the charity has appropriate policies in place for the recruitment, management, and development of staff and volunteers.

· Uphold and champion a culture of inclusivity, respect, and wellbeing within the organization.

Risk Management:

· Identify and evaluate risks to the charity’s operations and reputation, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.

· Through feedback from the risk subcommittee, have an oversight of North Staffs Mind’s risk register, ensuring you are aware of any emerging risks.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

· Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the senior leadership team, fostering a culture of collective decision-making.

· Participate in subcommittees or working groups as needed, contributing your expertise to specific areas of the charity’s work.

Person Specification

Essential

· A commitment to North Staffs Mind’s aims and values, with a passion for supporting mental health.

· Strategic vision and the ability to think creatively and critically about the charity’s future direction.

· Strong understanding of governance, financial management, and legal responsibilities in a charitable context.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Integrity, impartiality, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Desirable

· Experience of working collaboratively with other agencies and organisations and with service users, their carers and families.

· Previous experience serving on a board or in a governance role.

· Knowledge of fundraising, marketing, or advocacy within the charitable sector.

· Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions and the systems designed to support them.

Benefits

· Opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals affected by mental health issues.

· Gain experience in governance and strategic leadership within the charity sector.

· Network with like-minded individuals and professionals passionate about mental health.

ShowerBox is a registered charity that has been providing free and secure showers as well as toiletries and supplies, warm drinks, snacks and haircuts to individuals facing homelessness since 2018. Our mission is to enhance our guests’ sense of physical well-being and dignity, help combat social isolation, and provide access to other essential resources such as health clinics and mobile libraries. By empowering individuals, we hope to help them make long term improvement in their lives.

Learning of individuals having passed away from preventable illnesses on the streets due to an inability to get clean and the social stigma associated with poor personal hygiene, Sarah Lamptey (our CEO) started offering weekly showers in St. Giles churchyard in Soho, London, from 2019. ShowerBox became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and since then has been expanding nationally. Now, we operate in multiple sites – Central London, Birmingham, and Barking – either independently or in partnership. Central London remains our biggest site, followed by Birmingham and Barking, and we are in initial discussion with others. We receive our funds through philanthropy – currently supported by National Lottery Community Fund, Vitol Foundation, HS2, amongst others. 

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for ShowerBox’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis, and meet four or five times a year (online or in person in London).

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Chairperson to take ShowerBox forward into an important and influential role following and building on the success it has had since becoming a CIO and expanding into 3 locations.

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with ShowerBox’s CEO to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

• Providing effective strategic leadership and management to the Board of Trustees enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of ShowerBox

• Providing support to the CEO and ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives

• Ensuring the Board meets regularly to review activities, major risks and opportunities

• Ensuring Trustees fulfill their duties and responsibilities for effective governance of ShowerBox

• Ensuring the Board is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skill, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively

• Conducts an annual appraisal and remuneration review of the CEO in consultation with other Trustees

• Acts as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing it at external functions, meetings and events as appropriate and as spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate

• Ensuring financial stability and effective and efficient administration of ShowerBox

• Safeguard the good name and values of ShowerBox

Person Specification

• Interest in making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness/housing insecurity

• Experience serving as a Trustee or Board member (in either for-profit or non-profit organisation). Previous experience as Chair of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship, together with an understanding of the financial aspects of running a charity.

• An ability to work effectively as part of a team contributing an independent perspective.

• Strong leadership, people management skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively.

• Ability to devote time and effort to support a small and growing charity and fulfill the duties outlined above.

• Prepared to attend four board meetings per year (mostly online) plus one or two ad hoc committees and/or events in line with their expertise, specific interest, or as needed

Terms of Appointment

Chair of Trustees is appointed for a 2 year, renewable term. It is anticipated that the time commitment should be no more than 2 days a month but there could be occasions when extra time will be required (for instance, during planning of new projects or when dealing with unexpected situations). The role of Chair is unpaid.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Chair of Board of Trustees

About The Connection at St Martin’s

Our vision:

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home.

Our mission:

We support people sleeping rough to find a way off London’s streets. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover.

Trusting relationships are at the heart of everything we do, with our clients and our colleagues. It is vital that the way we work provides the conditions to facilitate these relationships. We have agreed 4 core cultural traits which guide our day to day behaviour at The Connection. These are Curious, Safe, Together and Motivated.

About the Role

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Connection achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that The Connection has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision and mission.

While trustees share collective responsibility, the Chair of the Board of Trustees leads the board, ensuring it functions effectively and fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the charity.

The Chair also acts as a lead point of contact with the Chief Executive, providing line management—as well as support and challenge. In the context of the cross-site community at St Martin-in-the-Fields and externally, the Chair plays an important ambassadorial role for The Connection

The Board of Trustees at the Connection have adopted the Charity Governance Code for larger charities which sets out the principles and key elements of good governance. Trustees will support the integration of the key principles of the Code which are described under the following areas: organisational purpose; leadership; integrity; decision making, risk and control; board effectiveness; equality, diversity and inclusion; openness and accountability.

The Connection at St Martin in the Fields is a company limited by guarantee, therefore each Trustee is also a company director and must fulfil the legal and financial responsibilities required under the Company Act 2006.

Full role description can be found on our website
Closing Date: Friday 4th July
Interview Date: First round (online) – w/c 14th July. Second round (in person) – w/c 28th July.

This is an opportunity to become Chair of a Charity which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. If you are someone who is looking to make a “real difference” for mothers/birthing people and their families facing one of the most challenging and unexpected periods of their lives, then we would like to hear from you.  We are also looking for a Chair who can lead and “harness” the range of skills present within our existing Board members, who come with a range of experience.

Now into our second decade as a charity, it is exciting time to join Mummy’s Star as the Chairperson. We have broadened the conversation about cancer and pregnancy nationwide, and internationally too despite our small stature. We now must sustain what we have built and help take the charity to that next level where we can elevate the voices of those we support, so that their needs are not only understood, but are also prioritised and used to inform policy and planning.

About us

ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.

ProVeg engages with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.

ProVeg has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award and works closely with key UN food and environment agencies. 

ProVeg creates global impact, with offices in 15 countries across five continents and more than 220 employees.

In the UK, our focus is on public sector food. Through our School Plates programme, we support major school caterers in their transition to healthier and more sustainable school menus. Since its launch in 2018, we’ve supported over 90 major school caterers, responsible for the food in over 8,000 schools, feeding over 1.3 million children every day, helping almost 50 million school meals become meat-free or plant-based. We plan to launch a sister programme in the healthcare sector, Hospital Plates, later this year.

Do you share our passion for transforming the food system? Are you impact driven and prefer to take a pragmatic approach? And do you have the skills and experience to help us? Then we’d love to hear from you!

Board Competencies 

We’re looking for a new Board member who can demonstrate the following personal characteristics and behaviours:

• Respects and internalises the principles of accountability

• Makes informed judgement

• Listens actively with an open mind

• Participates in debate, providing relevant comments

• Speaks own mind candidly but respectfully

• Demonstrates initiative and insightfulness

• Thinks both logically and creatively

• Makes decisions independently

• Advises from own experience base

• Teams with others, forming collaborative relationships with other Board members and, where appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff

Meetings

The Board aims to hold around four Board Meetings per year (generally 1.5 hours per meeting, although subject to change, as necessary). Meetings are usually held virtually, although we now aim to hold one in-person meeting per year, and it is expected that Board Members read the necessary board materials prior to each meeting.

Board positions carry no remuneration but travel and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In return for your contribution, we offer the chance to work with and on behalf of people who are passionate in their commitment to our Mission and are constantly inspiring in their energy and creativity to achieve positive change.

The Role of the Board

In line with ProVeg International's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, the ProVeg C.I.C. Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ProVeg in the UK, and monitoring delivery by the Director and their staff. The Board members of ProVeg C.I.C play a critical role in acting as a check and balance for the organisation, giving strategic direction, and acting as a sounding board for strategy and priorities as required. Board members can typically help an organisation with their skills and experience, their networks and/or by other means. The Board member will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of ProVeg C.I.C. and work closely and harmoniously alongside the International Board to support joined up and unified global strategic delivery of objectives. 

Duties

Board members are bound by a combination of statutory duties and organisational duties:

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations 

• Board members agree to contribute the necessary time to effectively govern ProVeg C.I.C. in the UK.  (The total commitment tends to be around 4h per quarter, but is subject to change in line with necessary duties)

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

• Ensure ProVeg C.I.C. uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: ProVeg C.I.C must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

• Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm strategic direction to ProVeg C.I.C, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Safeguard the good name and values of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Manage conflicts of interests

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ProVeg C.I.C. 

• Ensure the financial stability of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds

• Monitor the performance of the Director, UK (and if required, appoint the role)
   

Board Member Person Specification

Essential:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant business, Community Interest Company, or Charity experience

• Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with ProVeg International’s principles and values

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

• An ability to have strategic vision in line with available market factors and resource

• A history of proven good, independent judgement

• Ability to think creatively

• Willingness to speak their mind professionally and respectfully

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, such as Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers 

• Knowledge of good governance practice

• Solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors. 

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Willingness to adhere to ProVeg International’s Director’s Code of Conduct 

• Eligible under Company Law to be a Board Director (e.g. not barred from taking up such positions)

• Follows a plant-based lifestyle 

Desirable:

• Senior Management/Executive experience

• Salaried or Board experience in a similar organisation 

We specifically seek great board members with expertise or assets in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and income generation

• Government/policy or B2B sector including food services

• Legal

• A network of influencers and ambassadors

• People & Culture

Diversity Statement
ProVeg is committed to equal employment, volunteering and governance opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, refugee background, genetic information, disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, or gender expression. People of colour, women, people with disabilities, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, elderly people, refugees and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.

Two Rhythms is an accessible arts charity that changes lives through music and movement. Utilising our unique, therapeutic programmes, we deliver long-lasting health and wellbeing benefits to people with profound disabilities, enabling expression, connection and joy.

We are looking for new Trustees to join our board and help lead the charity through an exciting new phase.

From our base in the Wales Millennium Centre, we welcome people of all ages with a broad range of physical and mental health needs. We support them with breathing techniques, massage, music, dance, and relaxation. Every session is unique and tailored to the needs of our guests. We love what we do and the difference we make. 

In late 2024, Two Rhythms opened and expanded to a second site in Cardiff, and is focused on growing its impact as well as developing its income generation potential, forging collaborations and taking advantage of new opportunities.

The board is particularly keen to hear from candidates with specialisms in Finance and Safeguarding though we welcome applications from all professional backgrounds. Knowledge of the arts and culture or health and social care sectors is advantageous but not essential. All Trustees are expected to advocate for the charity and our goal of enriching the lives of disabled people through music, movement, touch, light, and colour.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter using the contact details provided. If you would like an informal discussion with the CEO prior to your application, please get in touch.

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

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

​

Our values

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

· Trust

· Bravery

· Collaboration

· Empowerment

· Inclusion

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

Our impact and growth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Income sustainability

· Digital enablement and adoption

· UK programme alignment

· People & Culture

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

About the role

Role purpose

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

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

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

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

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

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

· Managing risks, protecting assets (reputation) and people 

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

· Determining the overall policy and direction of the Charity

· Fixing the annual budgets and approving accounts

· Recognising and dealing with conflicts of interest

· Appointing the Chief Executive Officer when required

· Agreeing strategic and work plans

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

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

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

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

Person Specification

We are looking for 3-4 Trustees who have:

· A commitment to the mission of Career Ready

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

· Integrity

· Sound judgement

· Strategic vision

· A willingness to contribute ideas and challenge

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

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

· Digital/technology/systems

· Comms/marketing

· Fundraising

· Finance

· Government/Policy

· Operations

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

Commitment

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

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

Up to three-year initial term. 

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

Encouraged to support and participate in Career Ready events.

Opportunities to join and influence other projects and governance committees.

Timetable

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 31st July.

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

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for two trustees to join the Smart Works Birmingham Board of Trustees.

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a 1-2 days a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work.

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works Birmingham mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.

Please see the attached job pack for full details of the role and apply via our portal by 3rd July 2025.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Music For Youth (MFY); a national youth music charity that provides life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 25 and under. 

Music for Youth brings together over 40,000 young people a year to perform in live music festivals and concerts across the UK. The charity uniquely provides open access to young people, from whatever background or ability, to perform live to audiences: from grass-roots community halls to the Royal Albert Hall. We develop their musicianship, showcasing the richness and diversity of their music through our impactful live performance and development programmes. The wider social and life skills developed by participating in our events benefits all who take part and propels some of the UK's most promising young musicians onto career-changing platforms.

Our vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. We believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.

As Chair, you will guide a committed and experienced Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and champion our cause at the highest levels. 

This is a crucial time for Music For Youth, as we navigate a changing funding landscape and continue to innovate to reach even more young people.

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for the vision, mission, impact and potential of this unique organisation, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

Who We Are

Music For Youth is a national youth music charity that works with schools, youth groups, music hubs, and community organisations to break down barriers to music-making and showcase the incredible talent of young musicians.

Our Programmes and Impact

Each year, Music For Youth reaches over 40,000 young people across the UK, offering them platforms to develop their musical talents across all music genres, and gain confidence. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry and beyond.

National Music Festivals and Concerts:

We produce and stage high-quality professional standard live music events (including gigs, concerts, and festivals) for young musicians, both regionally at grass roots level, and at the UK’s most prestigious live music venues.

Young Artist Development:

We nurture and develop young musicians so they can realise their musical potential, by initiating adventurous collaborations, commissioning new music, and providing a robust music mentoring programme.

Creative Skills Development:

We provide skills and training development for young people looking for a career in the creative industries in non-performance and stagecraft roles such as stage management, sound engineering, lighting and digital production skills. 

Advocacy for Young Musicians:

We campaign to highlight the brilliance of young musicians.

Our work takes place across the whole of the UK with events in all nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This coverage enables us to support and tour the work of other partner organisations so they can reach young people further afield.

For over 50 years, Music for Youth’s annual cycle of regional festivals, local events, a national festival and showcase concerts has made a significant contribution to the music education calendar, bringing together regional providers and young performers, and putting young people’s own achievements into a wider national context:

The Music for Youth Regional Festival is a collection of festivals across the UK aimed to inspire musicians at every level of experience and across every genre of music. This collection of regional festivals forms the UK’s largest festival for young musicians. 30,000 musicians take part every year and many go on to perform again at the Music for Youth National Festival and Music for Youth Proms.

The National Festival is a coming together of musicians, bands and ensembles from across the regions to perform on world-class stages including Symphony Hall, and the CBSO Centre. It is a key date in the Music for Youth calendar, hosted by the city of Birmingham in July. Over 12,000 young musicians aged 4-21 from across the UK take part, featuring all styles, instruments and genres of music. 

The Music for Youth Proms takes place at the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-day showcase celebrates the incredible diversity, talent and creativity of young musicians from all corners of the UK. From orchestral ensembles to choirs, bands, soloists, and more, these talented young performers get the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and share their music with a wider audience.

Staff and Head Office

Given the charity’s national reach, the head office recently relocated from London to Birmingham, now based in CBSO Centre (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) close to the city centre. The staff team of seven permanent staff are based across the UK, with hybrid home / office working arrangements.

Board and Governance

There are nine Trustees, each co-opted on to one (or more) subcommittees: the Audit & Risk Committee, Programmes Committee, and Fundraising Committee.

How Music For Youth is Funded

Music For Youth is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving 42% of its funds from the annual grant of £279,980 in 2023/24. In addition, the charity raises income from fundraising (sponsorship, institutions, individuals) totalling 33% of annual turnover £672,938 in 23/24, with 10.6% from earned income including event ticket sales of £71,785 in 2023/24. 

The charity’s turnover in 2023/24 was £672,938, ending the year with reserves of £101,224.

For further information, please see our latest Annual Account and Report here.

The Opportunity

We are excited to be seeking our next Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation, as our current Chair, John Dixon, comes to the end of his term of service. 

With an energetic, skilled and focused Executive Team led by Phil Castang MBE - and a highly experienced supportive Board of Trustees bringing their wealth of collective experience spanning leadership in music, education, arts, fundraising and industry - now is an exciting time to join this unique national music charity, as we prepare for the next phase of development.

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and governance to Music For Youth, ensuring the organisation is well-managed, financially sustainable, and delivering on its charitable objectives: 

Leadership 

• Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that it runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions. 
• Creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately. 
• Provide clear strategic direction for the charity, working with the CEO and Board to set long-term goals.
• Act as an ambassador for MFY as required, promoting our work and advocating for youth music at national and local levels.
• Support MFY in maintaining strong partnerships with funders, arts organisations, schools, and the wider music sector.

Governance & Compliance

• Lead an engaged and effective Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and compliance with charity law.
• Manage, support and appraise the performance of the CEO, ensuring they and their senior leadership team have the resources and guidance to deliver MFY’s mission.
• Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational policies.

Fundraising & Advocacy

• Work with the Board and executive team to develop fundraising strategies, securing income from grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
• Represent MFY at high-profile events, engaging with stakeholders and championing the value of youth music.

What we are looking for

As our new Chair, you will share a commitment to the mission of Music For Youth. While it is not essential to be from a Music or Music Education background, we are looking for someone who has passion for the impact - and potential - of the charity and can demonstrate how their experience can help us navigate the pivotal years ahead.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
• Financial literacy
• High level networking and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of charity and corporate governance.
• Experience and confidence in managing risk, change and innovation.
• Understanding and awareness of broader social, political and economic issues.

In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.

• Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
• Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
• Working in or with public bodies or national policy makers

The organisation recently undertook a Skills Audit of the Board and identified the following areas where we are looking to continue strengthening the experience. While not essential for the role of Chair, alongside the core skills and experience outlined, we would certainly welcome individuals who may also be able demonstrate experience around:

Digital: to take advantage of the potential for digital transformation

Finance: to provide additional oversight and financial rigor 

Fundraising: with income from individuals a future opportunity to explore further

Time Commitment

The Chair can expect to commit the equivalent of 12-15 days per year at - and in prep for - key Trustee meetings, including full Board Meetings held four times a year (at least one in person in Birmingham, where the charity is headquartered). This time also includes regular meetings with the CEO (the majority online), and regular comms with the CEO as required, which may ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. In person meetings are kept to a minimum.

In addition, the Chair would be expected to attend a minimum of two of our: Regional Festivals (March – April), National Festival (Birmingham or elsewhere, early-mid July) and the Youth Proms (London, end of November), to represent the Board and host key stakeholders, including funders. ,

Term 

We are looking for someone who can commit to an initial three-year term, which could then be renewed for a second term.

Learn more and apply

If you would like to have an exploratory conversation with the current Chair or Vice Chair about the charity or the role, please contact John Dixon (current Chair).

Application Process

To apply for the role of Chair at Music For Youth, please submit:

• 1. A CV.
• 2. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
• Why you are interested in this role.
• How your skills and experience align with MFY’s mission.
• What you would bring to the organisation.

Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Phil Castang (CEO) with the subject line: Application for Chair of Music For Youth.

Deadline for Applications: Friday 27th of June at 12pm.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Music for Youth National Festival taking place between Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July in Birmingham. (Please note - this is not a requirement of the application process but a chance for you to see the work of the charity in person).

Interviews: will take place on Wednesday 10th September in Birmingham.

The week before the interview (week commencing 1st September), you will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with the CEO and other Trustees online. Date to be confirmed.

If you have any access needs or other practical questions - or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role with the Vice Chairs before applying - please get in contact.

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