Board members volunteer roles

Board Member

We are seeking committed and experienced individuals to join a trust as a Member, helping to ensure strong governance, accountability and strategic oversight.

Position: Member

Salary: This is a voluntary role however expenses can be paid in line with the allowances policy

Location: Being local to Derby, or at least having an understanding of the community is important.

Time commitment: Around 2-3 meetings a year in the evening

Closing date: 29th June

About the role:

Local Governors sit within the Trust’s overall governance structure.  The Department for Education sets out that in an academy trust, the purpose of governance is to provide:

- strategic leadership

- accountability and assurance

- strategic engagement

The board has collective accountability and strategic responsibility for the trust. It has a focus on ensuring the trust delivers an excellent education to pupils while maintaining effective financial management and must ensure compliance with:

- the trust’s charitable objects

- regulatory, contractual and statutory requirements

- their funding agreement

Members ensure that the Board of Trustees and governance generally functions well. 

Key responsibilities will include:

Directing Trustees:  In rare events, Members can, by special resolution, direct Trustees to take a specific action where Trustees are unable, or unwilling to act in the best interests of the Trust.

Appointing and removing Members and Trustees:  Subject to the Articles of Association and Terms of References, all Members and most Trustees are appointed by existing Members.

Amending the Articles of Association: Members can amend the Articles of Association (in some cases, subject to Charity Commission approval), change the name of the Trust and wind it up. Local governance arrangements.

Appointing auditors:  Members appoint auditors to carry out the annual external audit function.  Internal auditors are appointed by trustees.

About you

We are looking for individuals who can bring independent judgement, integrity and a commitment to good governance.

You will ideally have:

• An interest in education and charitable governance
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• The ability to provide constructive challenge and scrutiny
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to acting in the best interests of the organisation
• An understanding of accountability, leadership and organisational oversight

Previous experience as a trustee, governor, board member or senior leader would be beneficial but is not essential.

About the organisation

The organisation is a trust that was formed to provide opportunities for collaboration, support, and challenge for the schools of Derby while allowing each school to retain its identity and accountability to its local community. 

Areas of expertise you may have experience with could include: Finance, education, legal, estates management, compliance, charity work, health.

We're looking for new Board Members who are interested in making a real difference to the future of Graeae.

A pivotal member who is recruited for their specialist skills or knowledge and because they are representative of those with a stake or interest in Graeae’s work. In law, Trustees of Graeae have three particular duties – compliance, care and prudence – which are set out in the recruitment pack.

We are interested in hearing from Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent individuals and looking to recruit 3-4 people with experience in one or more of the following:

• Financial management
• Law
• Producing (commercial and subsidised sectors)
• Business planning and management
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Delivering digital projects
• Fundraising
• HR

Being a Graeae Board Member can be stimulating, challenging and rewarding. It offers the chance to work with a dedicated, committed, resourceful and professional group of people (staff team, Board and advisers) in an innovative and challenging environment.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about increasing and representation for disabled families across society. 

What do I have to do?

Attend meetings roughly four times a year to help steer the organisation towards its goals. And using your skill set to help grow and advance our non-profit. 

Part of the fabric of Buttons & Bubbles that wherever possible people who volunteer and work with us have lived experience of disability and or illness, (including parents, carers, siblings and friends) This includes our board members.

If you would be interested in having more information about this opportunity or need the board member pack in a different format, please get in contact for an informal chat. 

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for two new Trustees.

About Lambeth Links: Lambeth Links is the LGBTQIA+ community forum for Lambeth. We bring together people who live, work and socialise in the borough to share information, support each other and speak with a stronger voice.

We are seeking to appoint Trustees with expertise in one of the following areas:

• Governance
• Digital, Data and Website
• Marketing and Communications
• Fundraising and Income Generation
• People and Volunteering

About the Trustee for Governance and Board Secretary role:

• Experience in charity governance, company governance or a related field such as legal, company secretarial or compliance.
• Understanding of the duties of charity trustees in England and of the role of the Charity Commission.
• Experience of Board or committee work, paid or voluntary.

About the Trustee for Digital, Data and Website role:

• Experience in digital, IT, data or web development in a paid or voluntary role.
• Understanding of basic data protection and GDPR principles and how they apply in small organisations.
• Experience of using or overseeing websites, digital platforms or online tools.

About the Trustee for Marketing and Communications role:

• Experience in marketing, communications, PR or a related field in a paid or voluntary role.
• Experience of planning or delivering campaigns, content or community outreach.
• Understanding of how to use different channels to reach different audiences.

About the Fundraising and Income Generation Trustee role:

• Experience in fundraising, business development, partnerships or income generation.
• Understanding of at least one area of fundraising such as grants, corporate partnerships, events or individual giving.
• Experience of developing or reviewing funding proposals or business cases.

About the People and Volunteering Trustee role:

• Experience in HR, people management, organisational development or volunteer management.
• Understanding of fair and inclusive people practices in small or medium organisations.
• Experience of supporting managers or volunteers through change, growth or challenge.

How to apply

For more information and to apply, please visit Inclusive Boards' website .

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Child Action Northwest in their search for new Trustees.

About Child Action Northwest (CANW)

CANW has been in existence for over 130 years since the founding of Blackburn Orphanage in 1886, we’ve been caring for children and young people from some of the most deprived areas of the region.

CANW exists as a modern charity providing quality services to children, young people and families across the Northwest.

The inequality that exists up and down the country means that many communities face complex challenges -simply getting by is tough. 

Our mission is to support children, adults and families across the country, ensuring that when life presents difficult circumstances, we’re there every step of the way to make sure they get the support they need.

About the Trustee roles

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with skills in one or more of the following areas:

Finance and Commercial: we welcome applications from candidates who are financially astute, can read a set of accounts, and bring business acumen and commercial exposure. You will bring senior strategic finance experience developed in the voluntary, public, or private sector to help ensure that CANW is financially sustainable over the long term so we can continue to deliver vital services to children, young people and families across the Northwest.

Fundraising: whilst the majority of CANW’s income comes from commissioned services, we are still working to make sure that our income streams are robust and well diversified. Part of this strategy involves building up our efforts with respect to trusts, foundations, and major donors. 

Children’s Services: from the criminal justice system and residential services to support for neurodivergent children and young people and residential services, CANW operates a broad portfolio of services designed to give families the best chance at success in life. It is important that our board has deep expertise in these and other services. 

If you feel that you have skills, experience and a background that may add value to CANW’s Board but are not listed above, this doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t be happy to hear from you. Please get in touch.

About the Trainee Trustee opportunity

Given our focus on children and young people, CANW is deeply committed to representing those who use our services at Board level. We recognise that there are many young people out there at the forefront of professional skills development and we give equal value to recent experience as much as seniority in a field. 

Anyone from the age of 16 can become the Trustee of a Charitable Company such as CANW and we welcome applications from young people with skills in the following area:

Digital Communications: in an increasingly digital world, it is vital that CANW is effectively reaching people who need our services with our communications. We would love to hear from people who understand search engine optimisation (SEO), AI search, and raising brand awareness through digital channels.

Basis Yorkshire is seeking a committed and values-driven individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is an opportunity to support a long-standing, specialist organisation working alongside sex workers and people experiencing sexual exploitation across Yorkshire.

Basis has over three decades of experience delivering trauma-informed, non-judgemental support, advocacy, outreach and education. We work with people across all sectors of the sex industry, as well as young people and adults at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation. Our approach is rooted in dignity, agency, social justice and harm reduction, with the voices and experiences of the people we support at the centre of everything we do.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a key role in supporting the Board’s oversight of the charity’s financial health, sustainability and governance. While professional financial qualifications are not required, we are looking for someone who is confident in scrutinising financial information, asking constructive questions, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

We are particularly interested in individuals who share our commitment to challenging stigma and inequality, and who can bring thoughtful, independent judgment to Board discussions. Previous experience in the voluntary or community sector, safeguarding, or connections to strategic networks in Leeds would be welcomed.

Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, contribute to working groups where possible, and engage with role-specific matters between meetings. An enhanced DBS check will be required and arranged by Basis.

We warmly encourage applications from people with diverse lived and professional experiences, particularly those currently underrepresented at the Board level.

We are looking to grow our Board of Trustees to help to increase our reach, enhance our profile, spread our message and continue to develop sustainably.

We are seeking Trustees who will bring creative vision champion the role art plays in public cohesion and transforming people’s lives.We would like to recruit up to three new Trustees during 2026, ideally with experience of Finance, Fundraising or Artistic Programming.Arts at the Old Fire Station (AOFS) is known and respected for its values-led approach and passion for social change, and all Trustees are expected to share that commitment.  

As a member of the Board, you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation, developing its aims, objectives and goals in accordance with company guidelines, legal and regulatory guidelines, you will help to protect the wealth and assets of the organisation.

Responsibilities:

Ensuring that the organisation complies with internal policy and legislation.

Making sure that the organisation pursues defined goals in line with its stated objectives.

Monitoring the financial position and ensuring that the organisation operates within its means and that there are clear lines of accountability for financial management

Ensuring that the resources of the organisation are used only to pursue legitimate objectives. Contributing to the Board's role of providing strategic direction and supporting the development of policies, goals and targets.

Maintaining the good name of the organisation. Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation. Participating in working groups as necessary.

Attending seminars and networking events when required.

Leading discussions and providing guidance on new initiatives, particularly in areas where the member has specific skills, knowledge or expertise.

Maintaining confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information Regularly attending and taking a full part in meetings.

Skills and qualifications:

Commitment to the goals and aims of the organisation.

Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans.

Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions. Proven experience working as a member of successful teams.

Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have professional backgrounds in Asset Management, Legal, Housing Regulation and Financee but welcome applications from anyone with the passion and commitment to our cause.

Meetings are held either in a Central London venue or over Microsoft teams, on weekday evenings once a quarter.

The AGM is held in October and we usually have one strategy day a year in the spring.

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please submit the following:

• A detailed and up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the skills and experience section and also outlines your motivation for applying.

thrivin' together is a national, grassroots Community Interest Company supporting women impacted by their own or someone else's gambling. Incorporated in July 2022, we meet women where they are, offering support that fits around complex, time-poor lives.

We have built strong trust, reach, and credibility. We are now entering a phase focused on:

• Strengthening governance and infrastructure
• Moving beyond founder-reliant leadership
• Clarifying our proposition and impact
• Building sustainable systems for long-term growth
• Increasing our influence in policy and system change

This is a moment of consolidation, clarity, and intentional growth.

As a Board Member, you will help guide the strategic direction of thrivin' together, ensuring we remain values-led, sustainable, and responsive to the women we serve. You will:

• Contribute to governance and strategic planning
• Support the development and sustainability of our services
• Ensure alignment with our mission and lived experience ethos
• Provide constructive challenge and oversight
• Act as an ambassador and help build partnerships 

This is a non-operational role focused on oversight, support, and direction.

We are looking for women who bring a genuine passion for women's wellbeing and social impact. Commitment to supporting those affected by gambling harm and a collaborative, thoughtful, and values-driven approach. Desirable experience:
Finance or accounting
Fundraising
HR or organisational development
Chair or governance experience
Policy, influencing, or systems change
Lived experience of gambling harm (your own or someone else's)
We welcome first-time Board Members and will provide support and induction. 

What you'll gain

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in women's lives
• Experience of governance and strategic leadership
• Being part of a supportive, women-centred team
• The chance to shape a growing, innovative CIC

Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.

Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.

The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:

1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda

2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples

3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change

The role of trustees is:

1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.

2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.

3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.

4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.

5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.

6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.

7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).

8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.

Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.

Trustee Responsibilities:

1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.

2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.

3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.

4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.

5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.

Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise

To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership
   Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income.
2. Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
   Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:
   • Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
   • Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
   • Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
   • Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities

This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.

1. Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
   Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches.
2. Committee Leadership & Support
   Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team.
3. Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
   Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:
   • Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
   • Advising on donor strategy and positioning
   • Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
4. Visibility & Advocacy
   Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner.
5. Governance & Accountability
   Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.

Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.

 Senior Fundraising Experience

• A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.

• Sector-Relevant Knowledge
  Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:
  • WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
  • Climate and environmental sustainability
  • Menstrual health and gender equality
  • Rural enterprise and livelihoods
  • International development

Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.

• Network & Influence
  An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.

• Strategic & Commercial Acumen
  The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Fundraising & Partnerships Expert (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Purpose: To lead all donor relations, sponsorships, and income-generation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and engage high-value donors, sponsors, and investors.

• Create innovative fundraising campaigns and grant proposals.

• Build long-term relationships with corporations and philanthropists.

• Collaborate with the marketing team for event-based fundraising.

• Mentor board members in effective fundraising techniques.

Requirements/Skills:

• Experience in fundraising, business development, or grant writing.

• Strong negotiation and networking abilities.

• Passion for social causes and storytelling.

Benefits:

• Access to elite philanthropic and corporate networks.

• Recognition as a key force in funding life-changing housing and support programs.

• Direct involvement in shaping financial growth strategy.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Are you a safeguarding professional looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of young Londoners? By joining our board, you will help shape safeguarding strategy, strengthen our organisational culture and ensure that CYP continues to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for all its members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safeguarding Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of safeguarding and child protection across the organisation and report to the Board.
• Policy & Compliance: Ensure safeguarding and child protection policies are up to date, effectively implemented, and meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advice & Support: Act as a point of guidance for the Board and staff on safeguarding matters, including responding appropriately to concerns.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

We need someone who is organised, communicative, and shares our values.

• Safeguarding Experience: Background in safeguarding, child protection, education, youth work, social care, or a related field.
• Local: Someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing young people in London today.
• Good Judgement: Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidence.
• Commitment: A strong commitment to keeping young people safe and helping a small, high-impact organisation grow responsibly.

WHY JOIN US?

• Make an Impact: Directly influence the success of a project that changes lives in your community.
• Governance Experience: Build your CV with high-level Board experience.
• Networking: Connect with a diverse group of passionate professionals and community leaders.

This is an exciting time to lead Age UK Stockport’s Board. To be the Chair of Age UK Stockport is to be an active volunteer in our community. But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but it will be rewarding.

Our Board has recently been refreshed after the recruitment of three new trustees who, alongside our established trustees, complete the Board membership.

Our current Chair will be standing down later this year having served the maximum term for the role. We are looking for a dedicated, creative person, with a range of appropriate professional and life experiences to become our next Chair. They will have the interest and commitment to lead and drive forward the development of Age UK Stockport in line with our core values – to be Connected, Confident and Creative.

The successful candidate would join the Board as trustee and Chair Designate and then be elected Chair at the AGM in the autumn of 2026.

The Chair leads the Board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively. You will support the Board to work together well and will manage and support the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity. 

Main responsibilities of the Chair

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring effective governance and accountability
• Work in partnership with trustees, the Chief Executive and staff / volunteer team to achieve Age UK Stockport’s mission, vision and objectives
• Plan and chair the Board meetings and the AGM working with others to achieve this
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Age UK Stockport
• Ensure Board meetings are properly run and recorded
• Represent Age UK Stockport externally, helping, with others, to build partnerships with funders, local / regional authorities, and community organisations
• With others, ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for people in later life
• Recognise and make best use of trustees’ skills and experience
• Line manage the Chief Executive on behalf of the trustees

St Basils is looking for a new Non-Exec Director / Trustee to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member.

About Us

St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and ultimately prevent homelessness.

We help just over 4,000 young people each year across the West Midlands, with services in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Our services range from providing supported accommodation to outreach, advice, support, employability and engagement services to help young people regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives, gain skills, confidence and employment and move on. The aim is to help them successfully break the ‘cycle of homelessness’ so that they can go on to experience a bright, fulfilling future and never return to a state where they are at risk of homelessness again.

About our Board

We are a registered provider of social housing, a charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning our Board members are both Directors and Trustees.

To navigate our challenging regulatory landscape, we need to be tightly governed. At the heart of this is a Board with the right knowledge, values, skills and diversity, all whilst working towards our vision that homelessness should not be part of growing up.

As a member of St Basils’ Board, you will be a guardian of St Basils’ charitable purpose. You will be responsible for holding the Senior Leadership Team to account through constructive challenge and support, and for ensuring St Basils’ strategic priorities are met.

You will form part of St Basils’ governance framework, providing oversight of key business areas, such as business planning, safeguarding, risk, finance, health and safety, EDI and business development. 

Our Board is made up of 14 members, 2 of which are designated for young people who have lived experience of homelessness and / or St Basils’ services.

St Basils has adopted the RACE Equality Code and is actively seeking applications for Board members from Black communities to ensure our Board is reflective of both the young people that we serve and our dedicated workforce.

About the Role

We are looking for a voluntary Director / Trustee with a professional background in safeguarding to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member. Our new Board member will need to have a strong understanding of safeguarding, ideally with experience in supporting vulnerable young people.

As the Designated Safeguarding Board Member, you will:

• Work with St Basils’ Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to regularly review safeguarding reports, trends and serious incidents
• Act as a safeguarding champion at Board level, supporting other Directors / Trustees to develop their understanding and confidence in safeguarding
• Provide oversight of allegations or safeguarding concerns relating to staff, volunteers or Board Members
• Attend regular meetings and engage with services, staff and young people to maintain visibility of safeguarding in practice
• Support the Chair, CEO and DSL in ensuring appropriate governance oversight of serious safeguarding incidents, including reputational considerations
• Ensure the Board receives appropriate assurance on safeguarding risks and how they are managed

Our new Director / Trustee will sit on our Service Delivery & Development Committee which oversees both the housing elements of our services as well as the support / progression we provide to our young people. This committee meets virtually, one a quarter.

Although the role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be paid for costs incurred in undertaking the role.

About You

You will be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or have significant experience in a senior safeguarding role.

You will demonstrate sound judgement and be able to challenge confidently and constructively, although you do not need to have Board experience.

You will work within the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and understand the needs of the diverse young people we serve.

You will put the needs of young people first, be passionate about ending youth homelessness and share our mission, vision and principles.

Time Commitment

You will need to be able to attend the majority of Board and Committee meetings, one of each is held each quarter (8 meetings total per year). Each meeting will last around 2 hours and will normally be held late afternoon/early evening (usually 4pm – 6pm). Board meetings are held in person at St Basils’ Head Office in Birmingham, and Committee meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams. The dates for meetings are set by calendar year, towards the end of the previous year.

Meeting papers will be shared via an online portal one week in advance of the meeting to allow for sufficient preparation time.

A Board away day is held each year, usually October, and every other year this includes an overnight stay. This will be fully paid for by St Basils.

We encourage Board members to visit our accommodation services to deepen understanding of our work and support effective governance and decision-making. We would like all Board members to make 2 visits a year if possible.

All travel expenses incurred in attending Board meetings / conducting site visits will be reimbursed by St Basils.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a series of essential online training courses (for example GDPR, Cyber Security, EDI, Safeguarding, Risk Management) and the opportunity to do additional online or in-person training, such as Psychologically Informed Environment training. As part of our commitment to race equality, we provide mandatory Anti-Racism training for all staff and Board members.

You will be part of a knowledgeable and supportive Board and have the opportunity to work alongside young people with lived experience.

You will have the guidance of a knowledgeable Chair to support your development as a Director / Trustee, and you will have access to St Basils’ Senior Leadership Team to help you fulfil your role.

St Basils is a learning organisation and therefore we are able to support and develop Board members who are new to the role. In addition, St Basils has membership with the Board Development Agency, which provides our Board Members with access to webinars and development tools specific to housing sector Boards.

Being a Director / Trustee at St Basils is more than just attending meetings – if you would like to contribute to an organisation that has young people at its core, where you can visibly see the difference you are making, then this is the role for you.

For further information please see the link to the full job pack.

We welcome early applications and will interview on a rolling basis.