116 Board member volunteer volunteer roles

We seek a Chair of Trustees with time and expertise to help develop the board of trustees in line with our values of compassion, courage and persistence! We are a small but impactful charity working internationally to support 'stuck' families and change policy.

We are looking for a Chair with experience of small charity governance and is able to compassionately lead the board and work with the CEO through a period of change. 

We particularly welcome applications from women, and those with lived or professional experience of domestic abuse. You must be living in England and Wales, UK. 

An understanding of fundraising through trusts and foundations as well as commissioning would also be beneficial to the charity as a whole. 

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.

Could you help shape the future of our Charity?

We are recruiting new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the strategic direction, governance, and long-term success of ECI.

Trustees play a vital role in shaping how we deliver our services and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our communities.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not require previous Trustee experience — full support and induction will be provided.

Who we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in people with lived experience or skills in areas such as:

• Using ECI services or similar support services
• Moving to Exeter or building a sense of belonging in a new community
• Being part of a minority group within the community
• Disability access and inclusion
• Child safeguarding and/or adult safeguarding
• Human resources (especially employee relations or employment law)
• Legal services or law

We also welcome anyone with different lived experience, professional skills, or perspectives that could help us improve and develop our services.

What you’ll be doing

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help shape ECI’s strategic direction and priorities
• Contribute to the governance and long-term development of the charity
• Ensure ECI meets legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities
• Champion ECI’s work and its impact in the community
• Use your experience, skills or networks to support and strengthen the organisation

The Board meets every two months, in person and online (usually weekday evenings). Between meetings, you may be asked to support areas linked to your skills or interests.

Commitment

• Around 3–4 hours per month
• Bi-monthly Board meetings
• Flexible involvement outside meetings when needed
• Open to applicants aged 18+

What you’ll get

• Full induction and ongoing support
• Opportunity to influence and shape a local charity’s future
• Experience in charity governance and strategic decision-making
• A chance to use your skills and lived experience for community impact
• Travel and reasonable expenses reimbursed
• A welcoming and supportive Board and staff team

Join Us as a Trustee – Make a Difference for LGBT+ Mental Health

About Us

elop is an award-winning LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing charity with 30 years of experience delivering high-quality, LGBTQ+ affirmative support. We provide counselling, wellbeing programmes, advocacy, and specialist training for professionals, schools, and organisations across London and the Essex borders. Our mission is to empower LGBTQ+ communities, improve mental health, amplify our voices, and promote equality through education, awareness, and support.

The Role

We are seeking new trustees to help guide our work and shape our future. As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring our charity remains sustainable, inclusive, and impactful for the communities we serve.

You’ll Be Involved In:

· Setting strategy, policies, and goals

· Overseeing finances and safeguarding assets

· Ensuring strong governance and regulatory compliance

· Supporting CEO and senior leadership team in delivering mission

· Working collaboratively with the CEO to ensure strong governance and regulatory compliance

· Promoting elop and representing us at events

· Bringing your skills, knowledge, and lived experience to board discussions

Commitment

Time: 8–12 hours per month

Term: Minimum of 2 years

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people who are LGBTQ+ and share our passion for mental health and wellbeing. We are particularly keen to hear from those with skills, experience, or knowledge in:

· Event and individual fundraising

· Human resources

· Building Management

· Knowledge of managing building works

· Corporate Fundraising

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, trans and non-binary people, and others from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe diverse boards make the strongest organisations.

We're recruiting on behalf of our partners at MINDSET.

BUILD SOMETHING THAT CHANGES MEN’S LIVES IN LONDON

MINDSET Charity

Trustee Recruitment (Volunteer Roles)

Chair • Treasurer • Fundraising Trustee • Safeguarding Lead • Strategy & Development Trustees

WE’RE NOT LOOKING FOR TRADITIONAL TRUSTEES. WE’RE LOOKING FOR BUILDERS.

MINDSET is a bold, preventative mental fitness charity for teenage boys and men in London. We don’t do clinical therapy. We don’t sit on couches. We build systems, habits, and psychological tools that help men stay strong long before crisis hits.

We exist because too many good men have been breaking in silence. Our founder lived that reality — losing his father and close friends to battles they were never given the tools to fight. Their stories became our mission: no more preventable exits. No more silent suffering. No more men fighting alone.

Now we’re building a movement. A training ground. A new standard for male mental fitness.

And to launch this charity with strength, focus, and integrity, we need a small, high‑energy, high‑impact Trustee Board who can help us build MINDSET from the ground up.

THE ROLES WE’RE RECRUITING

1. Chair of Trustees

A steady, strategic leader who can guide our early direction, keep us aligned with our mission, and help us build a strong, safe, compliant organisation. You’ll be the anchor of our governance and the champion of our preventative mental fitness vision.

2. Treasurer

A numbers‑driven, detail‑focused trustee with UK accounting experience who can help us build lean, efficient financial systems. You’ll ensure our budgets, reporting, and financial planning are rock‑solid as we grow.

3. Fundraising & Grants Trustee

A proactive connector who can open doors, build partnerships, and secure funding. You’ll lead our grants strategy, donor relationships, and fundraising campaigns to fuel our 12‑week programmes. You'll also lead our board in fundraising areas and matters.

4. Safeguarding Lead Trustee

A calm, experienced safeguarding professional who ensures our boys and men are protected at every step. You’ll help us build safe systems, strong policies, and a culture of responsibility. You'll also lead our board in safeguarding areas and matters.

Additional Trustees (Various Specialisms)

We’re also seeking trustees with experience in:

• Strategy & organisational development

• Mental health, wellbeing, coaching or personal development

• Monitoring, evaluation & impact measurement

• Youth work or education

• Digital operations & community building

• Start‑up charities or early‑stage organisations

If you bring clarity, energy, and a passion for helping men and boys build stronger futures, we want you on our team.

WHY JOIN MINDSET?

1. Because this isn’t a passive board role — it’s a founding mission.

You’ll help shape the charity’s identity, culture, and long‑term direction.

2. Because our model is modern, lean, and high‑impact.

We operate like a fitness brand, not a slow-moving charity. Fast execution. Clean systems. High energy.

3. Because every decision you make will change real lives.

Every metric we track represents a boy, a father, a mate — staying in the game.

4. Because we’re building something West London genuinely needs.

A stigma‑free, practical, preventative space where men and boys learn to build habits, not hide feelings.

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU

• Attend in‑person meetings in London (especially early on for Charity Commission documents).

• Bring your skills, your ideas, your networks, and your leadership.

• Help us build strong governance, safe systems, and a scalable model.

• Champion our mission and represent MINDSET with passion, including helping us spread our social media presence by liking and sharing our posts.

• Commit to a role that genuinely matters.

JOIN US.

HELP US BUILD MINDSET.

HELP US CHANGE THE STORY FOR MEN AND BOYS IN LONDON.

If you’re ready to help build a charity with purpose, energy, and real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Description

Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is dedicated to providing safe spaces where survivors of all forms of sexual violence across Kent and Medway, can access the high-quality, trauma-informed, specialist practical and therapeutic support that they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives. Having won and mobilised the Police & Crime Commissioner Kent Wide Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)and Trauma Therapy contracts in April 2026, we are keen to extend our trustee board to ensure high quality, robust governance for our charity and support for the KSAAS team during this time of expansion. 

Key Functions of the Trustee Board Include:

• Ensuring compliance to KSAAS’s governing document (constitution), charity law and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

• Providing robust, evidence based strategic direction to KSAAS in collaboration with KSAAS Management Team, by reviewing the mission, vision, values, goals, targets, performance and the long-term strategy of the charity.

• Ensuring effective and efficient operation of the charity through oversight of the policies, procedures and systems.

• Ensuring that KSAAS pursues its objects as set out in its governing document and applies its resources exclusively to the pursuance of these objects.

• Ensuring the financial stability and accountability of KSAAS and protecting and managing KSAAS’s funds, estate and property.

• Ensuring KSAAS robustly meets all safeguarding requirements.

• Using any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Trustee Board to make sound decisions in the best interest of the charity.

Knowledge and Skills

The knowledge and skills that are beneficial to our charity are included in the recruitment pack, but in particular, we are keen to hear from individuals who have experience of business management and development, human resources, finance management, fundraising, marketing and communications, IT, social media, ISVA or counselling work and safeguarding.  

Commitment

The time commitment of a KSAAS trustee is estimated at 2-4 hours per month, comprising:

• Six 2 hour board meetings per year (normally online in the evening, but some in person in Canterbury with prior arrangement)

• Attending the annual general meeting (AGM)

• Time to read and reflect on board papers & AGM Papers

• Attending an annual trustee away day and occasional training sessions

• Attending subcommittees when required

If you are interested in becoming a trustee with KSAAS, please see further details about the role and application process in the attached recruitment pack. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

The KSAAS Trustee Board

Help shape the future of one of Gloucestershire’s leading charities supporting older people.

Lilian Faithfull Care is seeking four new Trustees to bring insight, challenge and strategic leadership to a values-led charity with people at its heart.

For more than 80 years, Lilian Faithfull Care has helped older people live well, with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging. Today, we support residents and day guests across our care homes, day services and specialist dementia services, supported by a dedicated team of colleagues and volunteers.

We are looking for four new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the charity through the next stage of its development. This is an opportunity to contribute to strategic decisions, support and challenge the Executive Team, strengthen governance and help ensure the charity remains sustainable, responsive and focused on the people we support.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in areas such as HR, digital transformation, marketing, fundraising, commercial leadership, charity governance, adult social care, legal matters or board-level strategy. Previous Trustee experience is welcome but not essential; what matters most is sound judgement, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to improving later-life care.

Trustees usually give around 18 days per year, including Board meetings, committee work, strategy sessions, preparation and occasional visits to our services. Some activity can take place remotely, but Trustees should be able to attend meetings in Gloucestershire when required.

This is a rewarding opportunity to influence the future of care for older people, join a collaborative and values-driven Board, and make a lasting contribution to a charity that puts people before profit.

As a small but fast-growing charity, we have a strong trustee board in place but are looking to bring in new trustees to help in our new phase of growth and ensure a sustainable future. We are therefore looking for trustees who want to get closely involved in setting the strategy, direction and priorities of Write Back as we transition from new ‘start-up’ into a more established charity. We are therefore looking for individuals with:

● A strong commitment to the work of Write Back and empowering young people.

● The passion and enthusiasm to throw themselves into a new and exciting charity for young people to help us in our next phase of growth.

● The ability and experience of working at a strategic level, providing expert oversight, advice and guidance.

● The skills and temperament to collaborate effectively in a small, growing organisation.

● A good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and an appreciation of the personal implications.

● A demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity.

We anticipate growing our trustee board significantly over the next 6-12 months. Our initial priority will be recruiting someone who is at least one of the following:

●experienced in financial processes and oversight.

● experienced in education, such as a qualified teacher.

● experienced in growing a small company or charity, in particular with legal, HR or other operational or governance matters.

● Under the age of 25 and who have lived experienced of the issues Write Back is trying to solve.

However, we are open to applications from a variety of backgrounds and would encourage you to get in touch if you are interested. We are intending to recruit 2 - 3 trustees in total.

Core requirements:

● This is a voluntary unpaid role, for which any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

● Your initial term will be for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

● Attendance at trustee meetings every two months (either online or in person, for roughly 90 minutes), as well as preparation for these meetings and any follow-up tasks. We estimate the time commitment to be no more than one day per month in total.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Join the Board of Trustees at EFT International, a global membership charity promoting excellence in Emotional Freedom Techniques. Help shape our strategy, strengthen governance and support sustainable growth. Volunteer role: 10–15 hours per month with induction and expenses.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is seeking one or more new trustees to help shape the future of EFT International as we continue to strengthen our governance, support our members, and deliver our charitable mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative board at a time when we are focused on sustainable growth, developing our long-term strategy, and ensuring we continue to operate to the highest standards of governance and accountability.

Our trustees bring a range of professional backgrounds and work together to provide strategic leadership, oversee the charity's activities, and support its future development. We are looking for individuals who are keen to contribute their expertise, and help guide the organisation through its next stage of development.

The successful candidates will be full members of the Board, attending monthly board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to an international charity, working alongside committed volunteers to support a professional community and help ensure the EFTi organisation continues to thrive for years to come.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting the work of charities and can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach to our Board.

You will have experience in a leadership, management or advisory role, with the ability to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and work constructively with volunteers and fellow trustees. Previous experience of serving on a charity board or working within the voluntary sector is welcomed but not essential.

We're particularly interested in people who can contribute expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance
• Marketing and communications
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Event management

You should be able to think strategically, make balanced decisions, maintain confidentiality, and work both independently and as part of a team. As our Board meets online, you'll also be comfortable using digital tools such as Zoom and Google Workspace.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who shares our commitment to the mission and values of EFT International and is willing to dedicate around 10–15 hours per month to the role, including completing an induction programme, attending monthly Board meetings, and engaging with the charity's activities. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences who can bring fresh perspectives to our Board.

Do you have experience of risk management? We are seeking Audit & Risk Committee members who bring strategic insight, independent judgement and a strong commitment to Samaritans’ vision.

The Committee helps ensure that Samaritans has an effective risk management framework in place, supported by robust internal controls and external audit processes. Its work plays an important part in protecting our staff, volunteers and beneficiaries from undue risk, while enabling thoughtful and well-informed decision-making.

This is an important and pivotal time to join the Committee. During 2025, the Board of Trustees took decisions on the main elements of our transformational future-proofing programme, which we expect to take forward over the next 5–10 years.

We are looking for committee members who can help guide us through this period of change with confidence, care and sound judgement. We are particularly interested in people with experience of risk management in organisations, and who understand how effective risk oversight can support the delivery of strategic aims.

Applicants should have experience in senior risk management or compliance roles, or in implementing risk frameworks at executive or governance level.

For more details please see the role description.

About the role

Term: Committee members are usually appointed for a period of three years, with the possibility of a second three-year term.

Location: The role is home based and may involve some travel within the UK.

Time commitment: As a minimum, attendance is required at four committee meetings each year, either in person or via videoconferencing. Generally two meetings a year will be held in-person or hybrid.

Remuneration: The role is voluntary.

Application process: Applicants are to return copy of their CV with a cover letter by Monday 12 October containing a personal statement how they meet the experience, knowledge and skills set out in the role description.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview by video conference on or after w/c 19 October.

If you also hold a volunteer role in Samaritans, please let us know what it is in the application, or contact us to discuss eligibility, if it’s a leadership role.

About Samaritans

Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide.  Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection. We provide compassionate listening services to people in emotional crisis, 24/7. We combine evidence with lived experience to influence decision makers to tackle the underlying causes of suicide. We change attitudes and encourage people struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek support.

Together we can prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.

Who are Boards for Education?

Boards for Education operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Boards for Education recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Boards for Education isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Who are Boards for Education?

Boards for Education operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Boards for Education recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Boards for Education isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Who are Boards for Education?

Boards for Education operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Boards for Education recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Boards for Education isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Who are Boards for Education?

Boards for Education operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Boards for Education recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Boards for Education isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.