Role description
The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you.
Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.
Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:
1 set a direction for the society,
2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,
3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.
The duties of a trustee are to:
4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,
5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,
6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,
7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,
8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,
9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,
10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1
1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,
12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.
Person specification
• Commitment to the society’s mission
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Objective and insightful judgement
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).
Registered Charity
6 - 10
The Open Spaces Society has been campaigning to protect rights to common land, village greens and public paths for more than 160 years
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are now seeking a Secretary to the Board to help ensure our governance remains strong, organised and effective.Help strengthen the governance of a Sheffield charity that has supported people who are homeless, rootless or vulnerable every Christmas since 1989.
For five days over the festive period, HARC provides a warm, safe day shelter offering hot meals, warm clothing, wellbeing support and companionship. Our work is powered by volunteers and guided by a committed Board of Trustees.
The Secretary plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the charity. You’ll help keep our governance processes organised, compliant, and aligned with best practice.
We’re keen to welcome people who can bring energy, fresh perspectives and a real sense of commitment to our small but dedicated board. You don’t need prior governance or compliance experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training to help you feel confident in the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Sift is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service-user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence.
To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values-led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change.
All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed. Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form which can be found on the Volunteering page of our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable recruitment pack - see our website for details.
The Roles:
Board Secretary
Role Purpose
The Board Secretary helps ensure that Sift is governed with clarity and accountability. This role supports the Board to function well, ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and that governance processes enable the charity’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare agendas and papers for Board and sub-committee meetings with the Chair and CEO.
- Take clear, accurate minutes that reflect decisions, context and agreed actions.
- With support from the Head of Operations, maintain key governance records, including trustee details, conflicts of interest and policies.
- Support compliance with the charity’s governing document and Charity Commission requirements.
- Assist with timely statutory filings and good governance practice.
- Act as a trusted point of reference for governance-related queries.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Clear, inclusive written communication.
- Respect for confidentiality and sensitive information.
- Commitment to Sift’s mission and lived-experience-informed values.
Desirable:
- Experience in charity governance, company secretarial work or
trustee roles.
- Familiarity with Charity Commission guidance.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, plus preparation time.
- Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.
Business Development Lead
Role Purpose
The Business Development Lead supports Sift to grow sustainably, so that more people affected by self-injury can access support. This role brings a strategic lens to income generation, partnerships and opportunity development, grounded in the charity’s values and ethical approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and oversight of Sift’s income generation strategy.
- Support exploration of new funding, partnership and collaboration opportunities including the expansion and relaunch of our national in-person and online training programme.
- Offer insight and challenge on fundraising, commercial or social enterprise ideas.
- Network with key players in the mental health and wellbeing field.
- Help assess risk, impact and alignment with Sift’s mission.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience in business development, commercial income generation, partnerships or strategy.
- Ability to balance ambition with care and ethical decision-making.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to SIFT’s mission and lived-experience-informed ethos.
Desirable:
- Experience working with charities or social enterprises.
- Knowledge of trusts, foundations, corporate giving or
commissioning.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, with occasional
input outside meetings.
- Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol
based office.
Leadership & Governance Director
Role Purpose
The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
- Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
- Contribute to succession planning and long-term organisational resilience.
- Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
- Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
- Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
- Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
- Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.
Desirable:
- Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional
involvement as needed.
- Up to 4 in-person meetings at our Bristol based office.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We focus on improving support and knowledge, whilst working to sift out the causes, stigma and misinformation around self-harm.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.