Area management volunteer roles

Could you help shape the future of an established, values-led charity? We are recruiting for a Chair of Trustees (to replace our current Chair who is nearing end of term) and an additional trustee to support and strengthen the Board.

As we look to the next phase of our development, we are recruiting for two voluntary roles:

Chair of Trustees

An experienced leader to:

• Lead our Board and ensure strong governance
• Provide oversight, challenge and support to our CEO
• Help shape and steward our long-term strategy
• Act as an ambassador for FarmAbility and our mission

Time commitment: approx. 3–4 days per month

Trustee

Strategic, values-driven individual to:

• Contribute to strategy and oversight
• Ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and well governed
• Bring skills, insight and constructive challenge to Board discussions
• Take a lead oversight role in an agreed area (with support)

Time commitment: approx. 2 days per month

We would prefer someone with previous trustee experience, but direct experience of learning disabilities or autism is not essential. What matters most is strategic thinking, good judgement, ability to facilitate and take reasoned decisions and a genuine commitment to inclusion, dignity and opportunity.

Both roles are unpaid, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

If you’re interested—or know someone who might be—please get in touch or share this post within your network.

We are looking for a dedicated Volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the financial well-being of the charity as we grow and respond to increasing need. Becoming a Treasurer at Shiloh means more than just numbers. You’ll be helping us build stronger futures for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. It’s a chance to use your skills for good and to be part of a dedicated, friendly team.

As Treasurer, you will:

• Work closely with the Board, Chief Executive, and Finance Manager

• Ensure our finances remain sustainable, compliant, and transparent

• Be part of a passionate team committed to lasting change for people affected by homelessness

General Responsibilities of a Trustee

• Ensure the charity focuses on its purpose and all activities align with its aims and objectives

• Comply with the governing document and meet all legal requirements

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Prepare for meetings, seek advice when needed, and make informed decisions

• Contribute to Shiloh’s strategy and policies, and support and guide the Chief Executive and staff team

Specific Responsibilities of the Treasurer

• Ensure the charity’s financial affairs are legal, constitutional, and in line with accepted accounting practice and Charity Commission guidelines

• Oversee accurate record-keeping and effective financial procedures and controls

• Lead the Finance Sub-Group (with the CEO and Finance Manager) to monitor financial health and report key updates at Board meetings (e.g. income/expenditure, balance sheet, cash flow, reserves)

• Oversee the timely preparation of the annual budget and recommend its adoption to the Board

• Guide trustees in assessing the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies

• Ensure financial resources meet both present and future needs

• Maintain a robust overview of financial risks facing the charity

• Oversee the production of financial reports, returns, accounts, and independent examinations

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge and Understanding

• Experience in charity finance and fundraising

• Financial qualifications (desirable)

• Previous Treasurer experience (desirable)

• Trustee board or committee experience

• Knowledge of restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds

• Knowledge of Gift Aid

• Understanding of governance and the voluntary sector

• Awareness of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

Key Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills to assess proposals and financial implications

• Ability to lead Finance Sub-Group meetings ahead of Board meetings

• Availability to provide occasional ad hoc support to staff on finance-related queries

• Able to build strong relationships and act as an ambassador for Shiloh

• Collaborative team player who values diverse perspectives

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to Shiloh’s vision and values

• Good listener, open to feedback and other perspectives

• Positive, problem-solving attitude

• High integrity and commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership

YES is seeking a Trustee Treasurer to join our Board and provide strategic financial
oversight, supporting the charity’s sustainability and continued impact for children and
young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for governance and strategic
direction. As Treasurer, you will act as the Board’s lead for finance, offering informed
oversight, guidance, and constructive challenge, drawing on your professional finance
or accountancy experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Board’s lead Trustee for finance.
• Support the development and oversight of financial strategy, budgets, and financial controls.
• Provide scrutiny and challenge in relation to financial reporting, processes, and risk.
• Ensure the Board is informed of relevant financial regulation, compliance, and best practice.
• Contribute a financial perspective to Board discussions and organisational decision-making.

About You

You will bring relevant financial management experience (ideally with an accountancy
qualification), strong communication skills, and a commitment to good governance.
You will be confident working collaboratively and providing constructive challenge.
Previous trustee or charity sector experience is welcome but not essential.

Inclusion

YES values the insight that lived experience brings to effective governance. We
particularly welcome applications from people with diverse lived experience,
including LGBTQ+ communities, global majority backgrounds, and lived experience of
mental health challenges.

Could you coordinate local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, just basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with people and good written and spoken English. If so, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Secretary?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a secretary to organise day-to-day activities. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for SSAFA in the area you will play a crucial part in promoting SSAFA locally, organising local events and ensuring the smooth running of SSAFA across the divisions in your branch.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can match clients to volunteers and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week. You would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

· Managing the branch office (if applicable) and providing support to all volunteers, especially new ones

· Work with the branch Chairperson, treasurer, and others to ensure smooth running of the branch.

· Accepting referrals and coordinating SSAFA caseworkers, visitors, and helpers accordingly

· Oversee all SSAFA casework across the branch ensuring clients get support that is effective and timely.

· Monitor volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruit new volunteers as needed

· Working with the local training officer to ensure all volunteers are kept up to date with the training and information they need.

· Build relationships with regional and central office staff to ensure an effective flow of information.

· Maintaining accurate records of volunteers and cases, submit accurate data to Central Office

· Providing administration for an annual programme of meetings including an AGM, recording, and implementing decisions

· Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser.

· Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

· Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.

· Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

· Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

· Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

· Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers, volunteer management – case management and quality. This training would take approx. 4 days.

· Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.

· Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.

· Support from the Chair of the branch

· Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

· Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin

· Good written and spoken English.

· Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.

· Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.

· Ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering.

· Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)

· Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc

· Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.

· Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Why do we need your help?

Food banks provide three-day emergency food parcels for people in crisis, working in partnership with organisations across the community. Drivers play a fundamental role in the running of the food bank, collecting food donations from a variety of locations such as supermarkets or churches across the local area as well as distributing the sorted donations from the warehouse to the local food bank centres. You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us.

What will you be doing?

• Collecting food donations from collection points such as supermarkets, schools and churches within Brent

• Coordinating with the warehouse manager and supermarket community champions

• Delivering the food donations to the warehouse, located in Willesden

• Transporting sorted food from the warehouse across two food banks within Brent

• Regular loading and unloading of vehicles, helping your driver buddy

• Regular driving across the local area

The skills you need:

• Clean and current driving licence

• Physically strong and capable of carrying heavy boxes of canned foods

• Experienced and confident driver, you will be driving a small van around Brent

• Adaptable and flexible, sometimes we need to change your driving route or times

• Personable and committed, you will be the representatives of Brent Foodbank amongst our supermarket community

• You will need to follow the driving policy of the food bank

• You should enjoy being part of a volunteer team

• Have an eye for detail and be able to solve problems

• If you can’t drive but enjoy being out on the road, you can also be a driver buddy!

What’s in it for you?

• Using your existing skills to make a difference

• Meet new people who share your passion to end poverty in the community

• Make a real difference to the running of your food bank

• The opportunity to serve your local community

You will be given all the required training and provided with ongoing support and development opportunities. You will also have a main contact at the food bank throughout your time volunteering with us. 

We recognise that we have under-represented groups within our team. As part of our commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity we are actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups such as parents or carers who are re-entering volunteering after a career break, people who are LGBTQ+, from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition.

Do you have experience in the legal sector and a passion for making a difference? We are seeking a new Trustee with legal expertise to help guide our strategy.

Key responsibilities

Governance and strategic leadership

• Actively participate in Board meetings and relevant Board committee meetings (e.g. Governance), providing objective advice on strategic direction, performance and resources.
• Work with the Chair, Chief Executive and other trustees to ensure the charity maintains the highest standards of governance, complies with all relevant laws and regulations and delivers on its mission.
• Contribute to the development, scrutiny and approval of organisational strategies, major projects and investment decisions, ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
• Champion the charity’s values, diversity and inclusion and ethical standards at all times.

Legal oversight and stewardship

• Support the organisation in complying with its governing documents, charity law, and other relevant legislation.
• Safeguard the organisation’s assets and ensure they are applied exclusively for charitable purposes.
• Support the Board in understanding legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities.
• Contribute to setting and reviewing the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Monitor performance and ensure accountability across all areas of operation.
• Ensure financial stability and integrity, approving budgets and monitoring expenditure.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, promoting its mission and values.

Person specification

• Qualified solicitor or barrister or significant experience in legal practice
• Strong understanding of charity law, company law, compliance and governance frameworks
• Commitment to the organisation’s values and objectives
• Experience and understanding of the role of Company Secretary
• Experience at senior leadership level
• Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker, capable of balancing detail with the bigger picture, and exercising sound independent judgement
• Deep commitment to the mission, vision and values of the charity, including principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Time commitment

This appointment requires a commitment to Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care to attend quarterly early evening meetings of the Board of Trustees and serve on at least one Board committee (Governance Committee), with additional meetings as required.

In addition to attending meetings, trustees will need to make time to read and evaluate papers. All our trustees are encouraged to actively participate and engage in external events and networking to represent and promote the charity, where requested.

Appointments are usually for a term of three years with the possibility of two further three-year extensions by mutual agreement up to a maximum term of nine years.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary, unpaid trustee role. Reasonable expenses incurred in the course of duties will be reimbursed in line with the charity’s policy.

The benefits of joining our Board of Trustees include:

• Professional recognition
• Networking opportunities with fellow trustees as well as access to forums and communities of likeminded trustees at other organisations.
• Training and support to get the best out of the role.
• Career development: Diversify your experience and demonstrate leadership, governance expertise and commitment to public service.

Application process

Please submit a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience would contribute to Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care in your role as Trustee, together with a recent CV.

The supporting statement should demonstrate why you want to join our charity, your suitability for this role and specifically address the key elements of this role specification.

If your skills and experience fit, you will be shortlisted and final selection will be via a two-stage formal interview process with the Chair of Trustees, Chief Executive and one or two other Trustees.

Deadline for applications: 5pm on Friday 13 February

Interview dates: 26 February and 11 March

Ready to Make a Difference in 2026? Then come and Volunteer with Us.....

We are thrilled to be opening a brand-new Charity Shop in Langney Road, Eastbourne – and we are looking for volunteers to come and join our Team…

Our shops are a hive of activity and the heart of the local community. They raise funds to support our vital work and provide a place for local people to find out more about how we help older people in their area. Our volunteers always enjoy being part of our shop teams; chatting to our customers about the fabulous items we sell and telling them about the fantastic work that we do.

As a Customer Service Volunteer you will get the chance to meet new people and make friends, plus play a vital role in helping to raise funds to support local older people.

You will be working on the shop floor as the welcoming face of our charity. Serving customers with a smile, using the till (don't worry, we will show you how) and handling money and sales.

When people come in to donate items you will be thanking them for their support and helping them to complete Gift Aid signups on our Gift Aid system.

You will help to make our shops look amazing; putting out items that the sorting teams have prepared, helping with merchandising, labelling and ensuring the shop is clean and always looking its' best.

You will need to be ok using a touch screen device as our tills run on a tablet, though we will always provide full training and some time for you to get used to using this first.

Lastly, you may have people enquiring about our work, or asking for help and we will provide you with all the details of where to refer them to within the charity.

It would be ideal if you could volunteer one shift a week, which is about four hours but we're also happy to have more flexible times. No special skills are needed as we will show you what to do and will provide all the training you need.

It’s really easy to get your volunteering started, if you're over 16 years old please apply now.

Help shape the future of rural Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Cambridgeshire ACRE is seeking committed and capable individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will provide strategic direction and governance and financial oversight, while ensuring that our well-established rural charity continues to respond to the needs of the people and the communities we serve.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in finance, digital systems and cyber security, environmental management or rural housing. No previous trustee experience is needed, and we welcome applications from anyone who shares our purpose and brings a fresh perspective.

Trustees are required to attend five board meetings a year, contribute to one of our committees, and join our annual away day. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

For over a century we have supported rural communities. We are now delivering our 2025 - 2028 strategy to strengthen our role as a trusted voice across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Apply by: Monday 6 February 2026

A pragmatic and dependable individual who takes a thoughtful, structured approach to their work and is motivated by supporting a charity with purpose. They are analytical, organised, and adaptable, able to balance attention to detail with awareness of the bigger picture, and communicate ideas clearly to help strengthen systems.

Please send us your CV with a Cover Letter detailing why you would want this opportunity. 

As a Volunteer Health Walk Leader, you will play a key role in supporting our residents to become more active and improve their wellbeing through social walks!

Project Resilience provides easily accessible opportunities for our hostel residents to take part in a variety of social and sporting activities to boost overall health and wellbeing.

You’ll help lead short, safe, and friendly group walk, especially for those who may be inactive, recovering from illness, or looking to improve their physical and mental health.

You will:

·Plan and lead regular health walks in your local area

·Welcome and support all participants, ensuring a positive and inclusive atmosphere

·Carry out basic safety checks and risk assessments for walk routes

·Encourage conversation and connection among walkers

Monitor attendance and report back to the coordinator as required

Skills required:

·First Aid Qualification

·Friendly, approachable, and reliable

·Good communication and people skills

·An interest in walking and promoting healthy lifestyles

·Able to walk at a steady pace for 30–60 minutes

What we offer:

·A full induction to the role and site will be provided

·Access to communal garden area and nearby fields for outdoor activities

·You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available

·Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager

·Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).

·Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.

Please note, that you will be required to undergo a DBS check and we will require details of 2 x referees.

We are looking for new, UK-based members of our Board of Trustees who share our vision and values to support us in these achievements, meet identified skills gaps and broaden strategic perspectives.

The main responsibility of the Board is to govern, rather than manage, Save the Rhino International on a day-to-day basis. The three main areas of responsibility are:

• Approve and oversee progress against the organisational strategy
• Monitor organisational and executive performance
• Ensure appropriate stewardship of financial resources 

What are we looking for?

People with significant experience in one or more of these areas:

• Human Resources, particularly implementing policies and procedures and with an interest in organisational development and culture
• Communications, with a background in PR, press, advocacy or media campaigns and / or paid digital marketing and influencer management
• Fundraising, with experience in securing and stewarding high-value partnerships and / or green finance and impact investment
• Biodiversity conservation, skilled in developing strategies, implementing projects, measuring impact and making informed resource allocation decisions, particularly in rhino range states

Person Specification

• Commitment to Save the Rhino’s vision, mission and values
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Visionary and strategic with strong critical and analytical thinking
• Strong networker across a range of stakeholders in their field
• Based predominantly in the UK
• Must be eligible to serve as a Trustee under charity legislation (England and Wales) 

Save the Rhino embraces diverse talent welcoming people with different beliefs, backgrounds and ways of working. We welcome Board members from rhino range states and from a diversity of backgrounds to bring a wider range of perspectives and inform decision making.

We are committed to making our Trustee roles accessible and inclusive, and will work with applicants to provide any adjustments or support they may need. Whatever your background, and however you identify, you’ll be welcome here.

Could you coordinate local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, just basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with people and good written and spoken English. If so, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Secretary?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a secretary to organise day-to-day activities. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for SSAFA in the area you will play a crucial part in promoting SSAFA locally, organising local events and ensuring the smooth running of SSAFA across the divisions in your branch.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

In recognition of our clients’ service to the Nation we aim to provide financial, practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can match clients to volunteers and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week. You would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

· Managing the branch office (if applicable) and providing support to all volunteers, especially new ones

· Work with the branch Chairperson, treasurer, and others to ensure smooth running of the branch.

· Accepting referrals and coordinating SSAFA caseworkers, visitors, and helpers accordingly

· Oversee all SSAFA casework across the branch ensuring clients get support that is effective and timely.

· Monitor volunteer numbers against the demand for support and recruit new volunteers as needed

· Working with the local training officer to ensure all volunteers are kept up to date with the training and information they need.

· Build relationships with regional and central office staff to ensure an effective flow of information.

· Maintaining accurate records of volunteers and cases, submit accurate data to Central Office

· Providing administration for an annual programme of meetings including an AGM, recording, and implementing decisions

· Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser.

· Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

· Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.

· Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

· Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

· Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

· Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers, volunteer management – case management and quality. This training would take approx. 4 days.

· Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.

· Access to a range of e-learning courses as well as local opportunities to keep your training up to date.

· Support from the Chair of the branch

· Access to the Welfare Team and Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.

· Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

· Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

· Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin

· Good written and spoken English.

· Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.

· Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.

· Ability to coordinate a team of people volunteering.

· Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)

· Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to reporting any safety concerns etc

· Reliable attitude, contact clients and volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.

· Access to public transport or a car to travel to meetings, events etc.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As a Trustee at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board and CEO to drive our new strategy forward, finding opportunities to expand our income generating activity and building our capacity to deliver a range of quality services to everyone who needs our help. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.

This is an exciting time to join our organisation, as we look to begin implementing a new strategy. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. We welcome applications from all who resonate with our organisational values and objectives, and specifically from those with skills or experience in fundraising and income generation, and charity governance and risk management. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to the Treasurer role, find out more on our website.

Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.

As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Governance
• Budgeting and financial analysis
• Risk management
• Chairing meetings

As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:

• Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
• Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
• Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
• Finding your feet with a brand new team of people

Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.

As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.

Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position.

We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK. It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery. In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective.   

We are looking to find up to 3 inspirational Trustees with experience in one of more of the following areas: 

• Legal (employment, contract, and charity law)   
• Development/Fundraising (significant networks amongst corporate partners or major and mid-level donors) 
• Policy/Advocacy or Public Affairs (with an understanding of the Modern Slavery or adjacent human rights topics) 

As a trustee of the Sophie Hayes Foundation, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.   

Trustee Role & Responsibilities

The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.     

Responsibilities

As a trustee of SHF, you will work collectively with fellow board members to provide effective governance, oversight and strategic support. Your core duties will include:   

1.Upholding SHF’s Mission and Values

• Support and advise on SHF’s purpose, vision, goals and charitable objects.
• Act at all times in the best interests of survivors and SHF’s mission.
• Promote SHF’s values, including survivor-centred practice, inclusion and safeguarding.

2. Governance, Compliance and Ethical Oversight

• Ensure SHF complies with its constitution, charity law and relevant regulations. 
• Ensure resources are used responsibly and exclusively to further SHF’s charitable purposes.
• Maintain high standards of integrity, including declaring and managing conflicts of interest.  
• Support effective governance structures, including participation in learningfocused reviews.

3. Financial Stewardship and Risk Management

• Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring sustainability and protection of assets.
• Monitor financial performance, risks and internal controls.
• Contribute to board-level scrutiny of finance and risk, supporting informed decision-making.

4. Strategic Support and Constructive Challenge

• Provide strategic guidance and support to the Executive, helping to shape direction, priorities and performance.
• Contribute to discussions on strategy, planning and organisational development.
• Offer constructive challenge in line with SHF’s values and governance expectations.

5. Safeguarding, Culture and Psychological Safety

• Promote a safe, transparent and inclusive organisational culture.
• Support safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring staff, volunteers and people with lived experience feel safe to raise concerns.

6. Board Participation and Collaboration

• Use your skills, experience and networks to strengthen the Board’s effectiveness.
• Prepare for, attend and actively contribute to Board and relevant committee meetings.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with other trustees, the Chair and the Executive.

7. Advocacy and External Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for SHF, promoting our work and raising our profile.
• Advocate for survivors of modern slavery and support SHF’s influence, partnerships and fundraising efforts.

Specialist Responsibilities

We are seeking up to 3 trustees who can bring specialist expertise in one or more of the following areas, complementing the skills of the Chair and wider Board:

Legal

• Experience in employment, contract, charity or human rights law.
• Ability to advise on legal risk, governance obligations and regulatory duties.

Development / Fundraising

• Strong personal or professional networks with potential corporate, philanthropic or major donors.
• Ability to open doors, strengthen partnerships and support revenue generation.

Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs

• Understanding of modern slavery or adjacent human rights issues.
• Ability to support SHF’s policy development, influencing work and external relationships.