Volunteer roles in europe

Do you want to be an important part of the running of Berkshire’s Centre for the Arts, Business and Community?

You could be a trustee for South Hill Park Trust, the Bracknell-based charity that supports arts, theatre, dance, music, cinema and more.

 About South Hill Park

Set up in 1973, South Hill Park Trust manages two theatres, a dance studio, creative spaces and a cinema within the grounds of an 18th century mansion house in Bracknell, Berkshire, with a long history, now as a prominent centre for arts within the South East.

South Hill Park hosts over 300 artistic, musical and theatrical events a year, featuring a range of personalities from internationally renowned to emerging new talents. SHP offer a busy programme of over 250 courses, workshops and events, and attracts an average of 250,000 visitors a year to the park.

The charity is independently governed by a Board of trustees and has an income of  more than £2m p.a

The role and 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 in the arts and in our community, and we’d expect new trustees to have strong empathy with our cause and what we offer as our services and facilities.

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, as needed.

We are looking to add a range of skills from several trustees we hope to appoint to our Board, although we don’t expect any one trustee to have all of these abilities, experience and understanding:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Marketing, PR, social media
• Legal, regulatory, compliance
• Customer experience
• People development, people management

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with 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.

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. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for about four hours of your time per month, which includes six Board meetings per year, trustee discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

Location & time commitment

Our Board meets every two months, on a weekday evening at 6pm (days/dates agreed in advance), for up to three hours, at South Hill Park mansion, RG12 7PA.

Our trustees are our Ambassadors, are expected to also meet with stakeholders, our staff and to join appropriate sub-committees as needed.

You are asked to dedicate a minimum of four hours per month to the role, preferably more; including preparation for and attendance at Board and other meetings; some of your duties may be carried out online and by phone/video, as well as face-to-face.

It would be expected that during your first few months as a trustee, the time needed for your familiarisation, induction and training my exceed those suggested hours, and at other times of year, such as our AGM, or in representation at events, etc., more time may be asked of you.

All trustees are expected to have contact with and meet people who use the services and facilities at SHP.

Trustees’ Term of Office is four years, with an option to be elected for an additional Term.

The focus of this role is strategic and you will not be managing the organisation on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with the CEO is expected.

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Commitment: Ideally approximately 4 hours per month alongside any training and volunteer team catch ups. 

Overview: 

We’re looking for approachable and dependable volunteers to support and help run our monthly community groups in Bracknell and Reading, as well as assist at local Pride events and other community activities. This is an opportunity to be part of a welcoming team, contribute to creating safe and inclusive spaces and make a real difference for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

What’s in it for you? 

Volunteering with Support U is a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the LGBTQIA+ community by helping create safe, inclusive spaces for those who need them. You’ll also be joining a welcoming team of volunteers who are passionate about making a difference.  

We want your time with us to be rewarding, enjoyable and a chance to grow both personally and professionally. As such, you will also have access to: 

• Funded training opportunities after set periods of volunteering to help build your skills and enhance your CV. 

• A carefully curated welcome pack, designed to help you feel part of the team from day one. 

• Experience in areas such as community event planning, group facilitation and public engagement. 

• All essential training (including safeguarding & group facilitation), provided by the charity. 

What You’ll Be Doing: 

As a Support U Group Facilitator Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in helping us run safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. Your involvement might vary slightly depending on your interests and availability, but typical responsibilities include: 

• Supporting Community Groups: Helping to set up and run local support and social groups in Bracknell / Wokingham / Reading, this includes welcoming attendees, signing people in, facilitating activities during any groups, gathering feedback and helping to create a positive and inclusive environment. 

• Contributing to Group Planning: Sharing ideas for group activities and discussions and assisting with light planning to help make sessions engaging and relevant for attendees. 

• Attending Local Pride and Community Events: Assisting the charity at local Pride events; setting up stalls, engaging with the public and helping to spread awareness of the support we offer as a local charity. 

• Team Contribution: Staying in touch with your fellow volunteers and the charity, this includes regular team catch-ups  and discussions. 

You don’t need to have experience in any of these areas to start, just a willingness to get involved and be part of a team working towards something meaningful. 

About You: 

• You’re friendly, approachable and enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life 

• You're passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and creating inclusive spaces 

• You're reliable, organised and willing to commit to a longer term volunteer role 

• You're a team player who shares the values and mission of Support U and the volunteer team 

• You're a strong communicator who is not afraid to get stuck in and help where needed 

• You’re open to learning and growing as part of a supportive team 

By joining us, you’ll be helping to create safer, more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as gaining valuable, transferrable skills along the way. Whether it’s building your confidence, gaining experience, or simply being part of a welcoming and supportive team, this is a chance to make a real difference while developing your own skills as well.

Description

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Are you looking to volunteer your time and knowledge to support Age UK Oxfordshire who are seeking Trustees with specific skills to work closely as part of their Board.

Age UK Oxfordshire are an independent local charity supporting older people to maintain their independence and live life to the full, focusing most resource on reaching those older people who face a struggle, whether through low income, poor health or loneliness.  They are striving for a world where every older person and unpaid carer is seen, heard, included, and valued.

Trustees play a vital role as Board members, ensuring the organisation has solid plans in place to achieve their aims and that funding is being used positively to do this.  They are looking for enthusiastic individuals who will work in partnership with fellow Trustees, CEO and the Leadership team to ensure that Age UK Oxfordshire delivers on their vision, mission, and values.

Specific areas of focus for the board:

Given the needs of the charity and the skills of the current board members, they are looking for experience in HR, Governance, Adult Social Care and Lived experience is always welcomed.

They value and are actively seeking to increase diversity on their board in order to bring broader perspectives, achieve stronger community representation, inform sound decision-making, and help them serve more effectively and inclusively.

Could this be the ideal role for me?

To be considered for this role, you will require the following skills and competencies:

• Commitment to the organisation. 
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An understanding and knowledge of good governance.
• Able to work effectively as a member of a team.

What's in it for you

• Volunteering experience
• Interaction with leadership teams and board activity
• Working with different sets of people
• Annual strategic away day with Trustees and Leadership Team

Currently trustee meetings are held quarterly and alternate holding meetings virtually and in person in Abingdon. The meetings last about 2.5 hours. In addition, there are up to two away days a year and an AGM. Papers typically require about two hours reading per meeting.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

These unremunerated roles are open to all.  To apply for these exceptional opportunities, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website.

If you would like to have an initial discussion with Sandra Smith, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment, prior to submitting your application, please get in touch via the Charisma website.

Closing date for applications: 10th August 2025

Interview date: TBC 

Just Drop-in are delighted to be looking for a student counsellor to join our experienced and supportive team on placement. We aim to provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to deliver high quality services for young adults who are finding life hard. This exciting role will be at our Macclesfield office with Wednesday evening and Friday & Saturday afternoon all available. We follow the BACP Ethical framework and offer Student placements in accordance with their ‘Good Practice in Action 114 Fact Sheet- Four-way contracting (More information on this can be found in our application pack).

Main Purpose - To provide 1-1 counselling sessions to young adults aged 18-25 years.

Reporting to - Counselling Clinical lead

Hours - 4 counselling sessions a week (as developmentally appropriate)

Length of placement - Negotiable (We would aim to support you in meet your course requirements. Please be aware you may require a second placement if more hours are needed to complete your course in a given time frame).

Other benefits

• A pathway for developing the competencies required to counsel those aged 14 years and above
• A friendly and supportive environment in which to practice
• 1-1 support with a named staff member
• Free relevant training and development opportunities
• Access to a comfortable and private counselling room and resources
• Appropriate insurance

Person specification

• We put young people at the centre of our work and so are looking to work with a student counsellor who enjoys and is skilled in supporting and engaging young people, and has a desire to specialise in young people’s counselling post qualification.
• We are looking for a candidate who shares our values, collaborates well with others and has an ambition to make a difference for local young adults.
• We ask that you are:
  • Studying an appropriate counselling qualification
  • Nearing or already achieved your ‘Readiness to practise’ certificate
  • Working with a clinical supervisor with appropriate young adult experience o A member of an appropriate governing body.
  • Committed to working within best practice guidance, BACP ethical framework, JDI policies and legislation.

Our Values

• Just Drop-In seeks to demonstrate our commitment to promoting a diverse & inclusive community and creating a place where everyone can be themselves and experience success.
• Safeguarding is given the highest priority at Just Drop-In and this priority is evidenced through both our words and deeds.
• We are committed to ensuring any personal data will be dealt with in a way that respects people’s privacy and complies with legal obligations. 

Please contact Just Drop-in for an application pack.

Closing Date and time Monday 7th July 2025 at Midnight

Interviews preliminarily scheduled for Wednesday 16th July 2025

Induction - The successful candidate will be asked to provide availability for induction during August and September 2025

More information is provided within our Application Pack, or you may wish to contact the Counselling Clinical Lead – Helen Lees 

Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly? We need you to facilitate our Talk and Support weekly telephone groups that offer blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to socialise with others when the regular group facilitator is unavailable. This is a telephone-based role that you can do from home. You will need access to a landline or mobile phone We ask you to commit to covering up to 3 groups per week, although this will vary on a week by week basis. Each group you cover will last for one hour.

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• Home Based: over the telephone (this role requires you to have a landline or mobile telephone)

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Effective listening skills;
• Good verbal communication skills;
• Work with wide range of people

Description

Would you like to volunteer in a customer facing role at RNIB's Products for Life Store in London? Could you be the welcoming face of RNIB? Do you have good communication skills and enjoy meeting and helping people? We need friendly, enthusiastic people like you to give visitors to our Products for Life Store the best possible experience when they come to us for information about our products and services or general enquiries. Products for Life Store consultations are a great way of customers finding out about the products that RNIB offers, and give customers the chance to try and view products.

The role involves welcoming customers and assisting customers to view and try products before they buy, recording purchases on the till (training will be provided) and some admin tasks such as using excel, checking stock lists and processing payments.

We are looking for volunteers with a welcoming and friendly nature, who enjoy interacting with customers and have some experience of Microsoft Office and Excel.

The Products for Life Store is a friendly and supportive team and ideally, you will have some flexibility to fit in with the needs of the Products for Life Store.

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. When people text 'Shout' to 85258, they are connected to a Shout Volunteer for a text conversation. Our volunteers provide a safe space for people to share what's causing them distress, while showing warmth and compassion.

Tasks and Responsibilities

If your application is successful, you’ll be enrolled in a training group. New groups start every two weeks.

Shout Volunteers receive 25 hours of free training in communication, listening, managing and assessing risk, and problem solving. The training is self-paced and done online. You’ll learn how to bring people in distress to a place of calm and practice skills that will be useful to you throughout life.

As we are investing in you throughout your time with us, our hope is that you will complete the training in a timely manner and look at this as a longer term commitment. The experience you gain over time is valuable and our goal is to have volunteers commit to 200 hours on the platform, which can take up to two years to complete, as we ask you to take one 2-4 hour shift per week. 

Our Volunteer Training Support team is here to support you, answer any questions and provide feedback during training and throughout your time with Shout. You’ll be joining an incredibly supportive volunteer community and have access to the resources you need to do your role.

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting people in distress, so it’s important we see the skills required to do that while you are in training. While most trainees complete the training and go on to volunteer, not everyone will pass the training. If this happens, there are other ways you can still support us.

Selection Criteria

A Shout Volunteer is kind and compassionate, a good listener, and has the ability to remain calm when supporting people in crisis. You will also:

• Understand the difference between being friendly and being a friend

• Be aware of your own mental health and wellbeing

• Be open-minded

• Be supportive

• Be reliable

• Be discreet and able to respect confidentiality at all times

• Be accepting and non-judgemental

• Be passionate about contributing some of your time to a cause such as Shout

• Adopt a growth mindset, and be willing to accept feedback

Requirements

• You must live in the United Kingdom or New Zealand while volunteering. 
• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You will need a reliable internet connection and a private place to take your shift.
• All of your volunteering must be done using a laptop or desktop computer and Google Chrome.

It’s worth spending time thinking about the nature of the role, and whether it’s right for you. We support all texters, regardless of race, religion, sexual identity or issue. You will need to be comfortable addressing topics frequently discussed with texters (suicide, self-harm, depression, etc.) without compromising your own mental health. 

Before you apply, please consider whether either of the following applies to you:

• Have you recently experienced grief, loss or change issue/s? For example; someone close to you has been ill or has died, you’ve lost your job, your relationship has ended.

• Is your current mental health and wellbeing in a place such that the stress and pressure of listening to the challenges of others would bring additional burden to you personally?

Benefits to Volunteers

The role is rewarding and can save lives. Shout Volunteers tell us they gain a sense of pride, satisfaction and purpose from taking conversations. They also tell us that their own wellbeing increases, they learn valuable skills and gain experience they can use at work and in their personal lives.

Volunteering can also be a great addition to your CV. You do not need to have any past experience in mental health to be a Shout Volunteer - we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to do the role.

Application Process

You will need to create your account and fill in the application using a laptop or desktop computer and in a Google Chrome browser. This is a standard requirement for all of our systems at Shout, from the application through to the platform.

You should leave up to an hour to complete the form. As Shout is a text based service and we do not conduct in person interviews for our volunteer candidates what you write in your application and the strength of your references are how we get to know you. 

We appreciate when candidates take the time to write thoughtful, considered answers. We recommend you review your application with an eye toward things like spelling, grammar and punctuation. While some of our texters will occasionally reach out using more informal text speak, our volunteers respond in full sentences and double check their messages for accuracy before hitting send. 

Your application will be reviewed once we have received responses from both of your references. We ask for a personal reference and a professional reference. The personal reference can be a friend or colleague but the other must be someone who knows you professionally or has supervised you in some way. 

This could be a manager or supervisor from where you work or a teacher or educator from where you study. We recommend you choose references who are able to speak to your ability to fulfil the selection criteria outlined above.

We do not accept references from family members. This includes your partner or their relatives, your children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or godparents. 

Please allow up to a month for us to review your application and return a decision. 

If your application is approved, you can book your place on training. Training groups usually start every two weeks and spaces are available to book a couple of months ahead. While you are in training and before you are allowed on the platform we will carry out a background check.

Description

Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.

In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

•  A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

Ealing Foodbank is looking for Trustees. We would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas: fundraising and communication.

Who we are

Ealing Foodbank is a local charity, serving people in Ealing who need emergency food. We are open 8 times a week at 7 locations around Ealing. We give out around 1300 food parcels a month. We want to make sure people visiting the foodbank get the right help to resolve their crises where possible. We work together with Crosslight advice (debt and benefit advice) and Ealing Law Centre (housing and benefit advice) to achieve this.

Being a trustee

As a trustee you can use your skills to contribute towards supporting those in crisis in our local community.

As Trustee you will be expected to:

• Understand and support Ealing Foodbank’s work and aims
• Reflect our vision, values, strategy and policies
• Work closely with the rest of the board to formulate and review our strategic aims
• Ensure our policies and practices are in line with our aims
• Ensure Ealing Foodbank functions within the necessary legal and financial requirements
• Ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the organisation
• Make time to read necessary paperwork
• Attend board meetings
• To help promote the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders
• Use your skills, wisdom to benefit the board and organisation
• Fulfil other duties as required occasionally by the board

Skills, attributes and experience

• Knowledge of (can be gained) and commitment to the work of Ealing Foodbank.
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.

Time commitment

Trustee meetings are held 6 times a year, normally in the evening from 7pm at our office. Trustees are expected to undertake additional work for the charity between meetings, subject to their availability and skill set.

 Please note the Trustee role is voluntary and unremunerated, though reasonable expenses can be reimbursed.

Applications

Applicants must have a connection with Ealing borough.

Ealing Foodbank is an independent Christian charity affiliated with the Trussell network. The Christian faith underpins everything that Ealing Foodbank does and stands for as expressed in our Vision, Mission and Values statement. We therefore ask trustees to sign our statement of faith, which we will email to you.

Please click 'how to apply' for details on how to apply.

About The Role

We’re WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to our world's problems. Together we will unlock their power – and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish. We lead the way, bring life and inspire connection. 

Volunteers are integral to the running of our Welney centre and without their help we wouldn’t be able to welcome our visitors to this amazing wetland. Your role will be helping to bring people of all ages and backgrounds closer to wetland wildlife, by providing assistance to visitors and encouraging them to explore the site and learn about WWT’s pioneering wetland conservation work, to save wetlands for wildlife and people. You’ll support the delivery of excellent customer service for the retail and membership team, inspiring people to support us as members of the WWT, and be a warm and welcoming face for our cause.

We are looking for volunteers who can ideally give one day a week, exact hours to be agreed. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or leave a message with your name and number. 

About You

This role will suit you if you have a positive, friendly, can-do attitude, and are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors of all ages simply and effectively around their needs is also an essential part of this role, being a good communicator in English (other languages are also useful!).

You’ll have a real interest in and enthusiasm for WWT’s work, nature and the outdoors and will be happy to develop this to share with others in a variety of ways: promoting membership; attending briefing sessions and familiarising yourself with events, activities, sightings and developments at the centre; and on a day-to-day basis, answering visitor questions, helping them to navigate what’s on offer. Welney has a close-working team, and much of the time you will be working in a group, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated at other times is also needed.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

This role will suit you if:

You have a positive, friendly, can-do attitude, and are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors of all ages simply and effectively around their needs is also an essential part of this role, being a good communicator in English (other languages are also useful!). You’ll have a real interest in and enthusiasm for WWT’s work, nature and the outdoors and will be happy to develop this to share with others in a variety of ways: promoting membership; attending briefing sessions and familiarising yourself with events, activities, sightings and developments at the centre; and on a day-to-day basis, answering visitor questions, helping them to navigate what’s on offer. Welney has a close-working team, and much of the time you will be working in a group, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated at other times is also needed.

Practicalities

Where will you be based? Welney Wetland Centre

Who will you volunteer with? Retail, Admissions & Membership Manager

Time commitment? We are looking for volunteers who can ideally commit to one day across the week. Shifts are negotiable, with suitable breaks. After completing training and an induction for this role, we ask volunteers to spend a minimum of 6 months volunteering with WWT Welney. 

You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need. This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need. Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing. If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website. We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Invitation to apply for the position of Society Chair

A. Description of the Society

The Society is the third oldest local conservation charity in England, founded in 1897 by many of the public figures who  campaigned to procure the passing of the 1871 Hampstead Heath Act, which saved Hampstead Heath as a public open space in perpetuity, and who went on to found the National Trust.

The Society is an unincorporated association, constituted by its contractual constitution, and is a registered charity. Its charitable objects are as follows:

3. (a)  to preserve those parts of Hampstead Heath which are subject to section 16 of The Hampstead Heath Act 1871* in their wild and natural state, and also to preserve the natural and characteristic features of the later additions to the Heath, so far as is consistent with their enjoyment by the public;

(b) to promote and maintain the amenities and characteristics of the environs of the Heath, and of the buildings and streets of Hampstead; and

(c) to promote public interest in the study of natural history, conservation, and the history of the areas referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule 3.

*[Section 16 provides: The [Metropolitan] Board [of Works] shall at all times preserve, as far as may be, the natural aspect and state of the Heath, and to that end shall protect the turf, gorse, heather, timber and other trees, shrubs, and brush-wood thereon.]

The Society’s geographical remit is limited to Hampstead Heath, the fringes of the Heath, and the old borough of Hampstead (now legally subsumed into the London Borough of Camden).

It is governed by a ‘general committee’ of some 15 trustees which is supported by (i) three subcommittees (each of approximately a dozen members) responsible for the distinct areas of Hampstead Town, Hampstead Heath, and local planning applications, and (ii) a Plaque Selection Panel which is responsible for the erection of plaques on buildings in Hampstead Town commemorating famous residents.

The Chair, along with principal Society officers, is elected annually at the annual general meeting.

The Society has approximately 2,000 members and is in sound financial and reputational shape. Further details of the Society may be found on the Society's website. 

B. General role of the Chair

The general role of the Society Chair includes the duties outlined in the English Charity Commission document entitled “The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do”, namely:

· help plan and run general committee meetings and in members’ meetings

· take the lead on ensuring that meetings are properly run and recorded

· take the lead on ensuring that trustees comply with their duties and the charity is well governed

· act as a spokesperson for the charity

· act as a link between trustees and committee members.

Reference should also be made to “A Chair’s Compass - A guide for chairs of charities and non-profit organisations”. 

Given the local remit of the Society, it is desirable that the prospective Society Chair should be resident in Hampstead (including West Hampstead), Belsized, Highgate or Hampstead Garden Suburb. The prospective Society Chair will be invited to join the general committee and ‘shadow’ the current Chair for the appropriate period before taking over.

C. Core and specific tasks of the Society Chair

Convene, set the agenda for, and chair bi-monthly meetings of the general committee, and approve the draft minutes of those meetings

Convene and set the agenda for the Society’s annual general meeting in June of each year, deliver a verbal annual report at that meeting, and approve the draft minutes of that meeting

Write the annual trustees’ report for inclusion in the annual return to the Charity Commission

Settle and approve the Society's annual financial statements as prepared by the Treasurer and the Society's auditors/examiners

Write a column of approximately 2,000 words for the Society's newsletter published in January, May and October

From time to time, as an observer, attend meetings of the Society's three subcommittees (Town, Heath and Planning) and the Society’s Plaque Selection Panel

Support the Society’s vice-chairs in their chairing of the Society’s three subcommittees (see above)

Oversee recruitment to the general committee and, as required, the Society's three subcommittees

As required, be the public or official face of the Society in dealings with the media, and the City of London Corporation (the freehold owner of Hampstead Heath and the sole trustee of the Hampstead Heath registered charity), Camden Council (including Hampstead Ward local councillors) and other local or governmental bodies

As required, lead (even if only in  a titular or nominal sense) campaigns run by the Society

Attend and, as required, host Society events, including the New Members Party, the Xmas Party and Society lectures (usually two to three a year)

Maintain relations with other non-governmental bodies with which the Society has regular dealings in matters of common interest, including the Vale of Health Society, the Highgate Society, the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association, the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum,  Heath Hands, the Kenwood Estate, Keats House, Camden History Society, the London Forum and Civic Voice

Identify, and suggest to its editor, items for inclusion in the Society's newsletter

Exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and contribute to the direction of our organisation. ARU Students' Union are recruiting a Trustee with strategic Finance experience.  

What will you be doing?

ARU Students’ Union has grown in size and scope over recent years, and so too has ourresponsibility to support an increasingly diverse and dynamic student body. Representingstudents on six campuses across the East of England and London has prompted us to reflect onhow we can best meet the needs of students and continue to provide exceptional services andsupport.

We’ve listened to our students, staff teams and stakeholders, learned from their experiences,and developed a plan that will drive us forward as an organisation, providing our students withgreater opportunities for involvement, support, and personal growth and we’re excited about thelaunch of our new strategy later this year.

We are looking to appoint a Trustee to our Board, with expertise in Finance. 

For this role, you will need to evidence extensive experience in a senior professional financialrole, with solid strategic financial management skills. A working knowledge of the rules andregulations governing charity finance and corporate risk management would be advantageous,and a professional accountancy qualification is essential. As it anticipated that the successfulcandidate will lead the Finance and Risk Committee, confidence chairing strategic meetingseffectively is essential.

What are we looking for?

Financial

• For this role, you will need to evidence extensive experience in a senior professional financialrole, with solid strategic financial management skills. A working knowledge of the rules andregulations governing charity finance and corporate risk management would be advantageous,and a professional accountancy qualification is essential. As it anticipated that the successfulcandidate will lead the Finance and Risk Committee, confidence chairing strategic meetingseffectively is essential.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, you will play an essential role in guiding our new strategy, ensuring that we stay focused on our mission and achieve the goals we’ve set out. You will have the opportunity to contribute your expertise, and perspectives to help shape the future of ARU Students’ Union.

Before you apply

We’ll ask you to complete our online application to clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the role. We will also ask for the names, positions, organisations and email addresses for two referees, relevant to this role. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted. Successful applicants will also be asked to complete an enhancedDBS check.

If you have any questions on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to talk to someone informally before you apply, please contact us via Reach.