2 Asia and the middle east programme manager volunteer roles
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Charleston is seeking a new Trustee to join its Board at an exciting stage in the organisation’s development.
Charleston is a year-round cultural organisation with sites in Firle and Lewes, bringing people together to engage with art and ideas. The former home and studio of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston has a rich history rooted in the Bloomsbury group and a contemporary mission to champion experimental thinking, social inclusion and the power of art to provoke new thinking.
We are particularly seeking a trustee with significant experience in financial management, investment and endowment strategy. You will work closely with the CEO and fellow trustees to shape and lead Charleston’s approach to building and stewarding its new Permanent Endowment Trust, helping to create a secure and sustainable financial foundation for the organisation’s future.
We are looking for someone with:
- Experience of financial management, investment, reserves and endowment management.
- Experience of fundraising, particularly endowment campaigns.
- Strategic thinking, sound judgement and strong Board-level decision-making skills.
- An understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities.
- The ability to build influential philanthropic, corporate, public or charitable relationships.
- Strong communication and collaborative skills.
- A commitment to Charleston’s mission, vision and values.
Knowledge of the arts, heritage, museums or cultural sectors, previous board or committee experience, and experience of strategic partnerships would be advantageous. You do not need to be a qualified accountant.
The successful candidate will join Charleston’s Business and Finance Committee, which meets quarterly, alongside four Board meetings each year in Sussex and London. Trustees serve a three-year term, renewable for a second term subject to Board approval. The role is unremunerated, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
We particularly welcome applications from people from backgrounds underrepresented in the cultural sector, including Disabled people, people from the Global Majority, LGBTQ+ people and people from low-income backgrounds.
Closing date: 9am (GMT), Friday 16 October 2026.
Interview: Friday 20 November 2026, Charleston, Firle (BN8 6LL).
To apply, please send a concise covering letter addressing the person specification and CV.
To apply, please send a concise covering letter addressing the person specification and CV.
Registered Charity 
21 - 50
Thank you!
Position Description
This is an exciting time to join the Heart of the City trustee board. You will join a small but ambitious Charity with strong foundations and networks across the public and private sector. This is an opportunity to shape the next chapter for the Heart of the City, with a strong focus on developing a robust, sustainable three-year Strategy. The Strategy will be supported by work to further diversify funding streams, that provide greater financial resilience without compromising our mission to support SMEs to become responsible businesses and play a full role in responding to the Climate Emergency.
The incoming Chair will support the team to develop a three-year Strategy to support the growth of the Charity.
The plan will explore:
- The Mission of the Charity and how it should grow
- Diversifying and securing new sources of funding
- Broadening our programmatic offer to SMEs
- Defining the strategic relationship between Heart of the City and the City of London Corporation
Unlike most small charities, Heart of the City has an extensive network and governance structures with prestigious organisations. The Chair will help manage key relationships with the Bank of England and Corporation of London, as well as key Council Members. The Chair will be instrumental in managing an effective and focussed set of Trustees to help shape, scrutinise and deliver the Charity’s mission.
By the end of the three-year period as Chair, you will have supported the development and implementation of a Strategy, which meets the vision of the Charity, helped develop a sustainable and resilient funding model, ensured that the Charity is making an impact and reporting on its achievements and maintains effective relationships with key strategic partners.
Typically, the Chair will:
- Hold regular fortnightly meetings with the Managing Director.
- Attend quarterly Trustee Board meetings (usually lasting around two hours and held during the working day).
- Participate in a strategy half-day with Trustees and staff.
- Attend Council meetings (up to two per year).
- Support introductions to potential members, partners and stakeholders.
- Attend and occasionally speak at Heart of the City events on an ad hoc basis.
The Chair will contribute to ad-hoc requests including:
- Sharing their views on responsible business in interviews for our newsletter, social media or webinars
- Championing our work at other external events and meetings, on social media and on their own biographical profiles
About you
We do not expect one person to fulfil all specifications but would welcome applications from individuals who are able to demonstrate most of the following:
Experience & Knowledge
- Senior Executive experience in the Corporate, Charity or Public sector.
- Strong understanding of SMEs, their motivations and challenges.
- Strong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
- Proven track record of setting strategic direction and leading senior teams.
- Well-connected senior network across businesses.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent chairing, facilitation and sound judgement in complex situations.
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to align resources to long-term mission and impact.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage audiences from SME leaders to senior stakeholders.
- Strong ambassadorial and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent listening, questioning and consensus-building abilities.
Commitment
Commitment to Heart of the City’s mission, values and responsible business agenda. Willingness to devote the time and energy required to fulfil the role effectively.
Closing application date
Midnight on 27 September 2026
Interviews
Trustees aim to meet with the candidates in the week commencing 12 October 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.