Board of trustees volunteer roles

It’s an exciting time at Capability Scotland. There’s a lot going on and we’re looking for new Trustees to help us deliver our ambitious plans for growth and transformation.

This year is our 80th anniversary. We are so proud of everything we have achieved but we can’t rest on our laurels. There is much still to do if we are to achieve our vision of a more inclusive Scotland where everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard, to contribute to society and to fulfil their potential.

As we look forward, we are determined that more people across Scotland can benefit from our high quality care, support and education services. Our plans for the redevelopment of our largest service on a brand new site in Perth are now advancing at pace. Our Inclusive Community Project will see us deliver exemplary care in a modern environment, shaped by innovation, technology and best practice.

Capability Scotland is also proud to operate Corseford College, the first and only college for young people with multiple and complex needs. Now in its fourth year, the achievements of our students are a powerful testament to the success of this pioneering model.

These are just two examples of what we’re doing. There is much more going on right now and we are determined to drive forward with our future plans.

To help us continue to be successful, we are looking to appoint new Trustees to complement the skills of our existing Board, to drive change and to help shape our strategic direction. The Board’s purpose is also to ensure the highest standards of governance and to provide oversight, scrutiny and constructive support to senior management.

We have some Board vacancies right now and we are looking for a diverse range of people with an interest in what we are trying to achieve and who want to be part of a values-led charity.

We would love to see applications from people with lived experience of disability. We would also welcome applications from candidates with expertise in social care/social work, fundraising, marketing, education and technology as we explore the use of assistive technology and AI in the delivery of person-centred care.

Our Trustees are all committed to putting the people we support at the heart of everything we do and are passionate about developing innovative high quality solutions to improve care and education provision for disabled people across Scotland. If you think you can make a contribution, we’d love to have you on board.

This is a ybrid role, with a preference for candidates who can attend occasional in-person meetings in Scotland. 

The Board meets four times annually, with meetings typically lasting around 2 hours. One meeting (held alongside the AGM in September/October) lasts approximately 3 hours. Trustees may also be invited to join one of three committees—Finance; Audit & Risk (4x per year); or Service Quality (4x per year) and Remuneration & Nominations (at least 1x per year).

Carers Support is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our development. This is an important voluntary role for someone with strong board or senior governance experience who wants to make a real difference to unpaid carers.

About Carers Support

We are an independent charity supporting thousands of unpaid carers of all ages across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We provide advice, information, practical help, emotional support, training, young carers services and more.

Our vision is that all carers are recognised, valued and supported. We work closely with the NHS, local authorities and voluntary organisations, and hold the Trusted Charity quality mark

Main duties would include:

As Chair of Trustees, you will:

• Lead the Board and help set the charity’s strategic direction

• Support and work closely with the Chief Executive

• Make sure the Board fulfils its legal and governance duties

• Encourage a positive, open and inclusive Board culture

• Ensure meetings are well-run and support good discussion and decision-making

• Help the charity respond to the needs and views of unpaid carers

• Ensure risks, finances and performance are monitored effectively

You do not need previous chairing experience. We are looking for someone with solid board or committee experience who can guide a group and support strong governance.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Board, governance or senior decision-making experience

• Calm, confident leadership and good people skills

• The ability to facilitate effective meetings or a willingness to learn

• Sound judgement and the confidence to ask questions

• A commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers

• Time to prepare for and attend meetings

Time commitment

• 4 board meetings per year (2 hours each)

• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive

• Occasional committee meetings, events or development sessions

• Additional committee meetings, events or development sessions, as required

What you’ll gain

• A meaningful leadership opportunity with social impact

• Strategic experience in a respected local charity

• Supportive induction, training and ongoing guidance

• A warm and collaborative Board environment

 There’s lots more we could tell you, but why not apply and come and see for yourself.  If you’d like any further information, please email our recruitment team with your details and we’ll arrange for someone to call you back.

Please visit our website for all the information you need and details of how to apply.  All expressions of interest and CV’s should be returned to our recruitment inbox.

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2026 (however this vacancy may close early if we find a suitable candidate).

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our workplace is free of barriers and fully accessible for people with disabilities.  We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults; from recruitment of staff through to supporting our team working with families and carers in crisis.

Registered Charity No:  1063226

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of NEBDN and make sure the organisation is well governed, financially sustainable, and delivering its charitable purpose. Trustees share overall responsibility for ensuring NEBDN is run properly and in the best interests of the charity. Under charity law, this includes three core duties: compliance, care, and prudence.

Duty of compliance – as a Trustee you will:

Ensure that NEBDN complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator; in particular ensure that the charity prepares reports on what it has achieved and Annual Returns and accounts as required by law. Ensure that NEBDN does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its governing document and that it remains true to the charitable purpose and objects set out there. Comply with the requirements of other legislation (e.g. the Companies Act, the Equality Act) and other regulators which govern the activities of NEBDN. Act with integrity and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of NEBDN funds or assets.

Duty of care – as a Trustee you will:

Use reasonable care and skill in their work as Trustees, using their personal skills and experience as needed to ensure that NEBDN is well-run and efficient. Consider getting external professional advice on all matters where there may be material risk to NEBDN, or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties.

Duty of prudence – as a Trustee you will:

Ensure that NEBDN is, and will remain, solvent. Use NEBDN’s funds and assets reasonably, and only in furtherance of NEBDN’s objects. Avoid undertaking activities that might place NEBDN’s endowment, funds, assets, or reputation at undue risk. Take special care when investing NEBDN’s funds or borrowing funds for NEBDN to use.

Specific duties of Trustees of NEBDN

Strategic Direction

Trustees help shape the long-term direction of NEBDN by ensuring there is a clear vision, mission and strategy. They work closely with the Chief Executive and senior team, providing support, oversight and constructive challenge.

Performance management

Trustees oversee the organisation’s performance, including its impact, effectiveness and wider organisational culture. They help ensure NEBDN remains focused on delivering value to its stakeholders.

Compliance

Trustees ensure that NEBDN meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities and maintains high standards of accountability, governance and public trust.

Prudent management of assets

Trustees act as stewards of NEBDN’s assets, including its finances, reputation, systems and resources, making sure they are protected and used responsibly.

Good governance

Trustees play an important role in maintaining a strong and effective governance culture, ensuring NEBDN operates with integrity, transparency and sound decision-making.

What will you get out of it?
• The opportunity to develop leadership skills
• Improve financial skills, develop/ improve management skills
• The opportunity to gain a range of business skills
• The opportunity to enhance your continuing professional development
• The opportunity to influence and develop dental nurse education and future qualifications
• The opportunity to get involved in strategic development

Who are we looking for

Essential

Commitment

Ability to understand and accept the duties and liabilities of being a charity Trustee Empathy with the vision, mission and aims of NEBDN Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort including participating in other tasks as arise from time to time (e.g. interviewing new staff, attending Board and other meetings); keeping informed about the activities of the organisation and wider issues, which affect its work. Focus

Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically Ability to think creatively Ability to keep mission-focused Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and other evidence Willingness to listen and learn Communication and team working

Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively and to take an active part in discussions Ability and willingness to influence and engage Ability and willingness to work effectively as a member of a team to form an effective governing body for the organisation. Willing to express their own opinion in a reasoned way, while also listening to the views of others  Ability and willingness to challenge constructively and ask questions appropriately Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis. Ability and willingness to adopt and an evidence-based approach to the board’s work Ability and willingness to agree ways of resolving differences in views and opinions  

Accountability

Ability to be objective, accountable and honest Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement Willingness to make and stand by collective decisions, including those which may be unpopular Ability to manage difficult and / or challenging situations Ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and / or sensitive information Commitment to NEBDN and to our mission, vision, and values – aims and objectives.

Desirable 

The knowledge, skills and experience in the list below are relevant to NEBDN’s main areas of activity, and they are represented across NEBDN’s executive and staff, who apply them at operational level. 

NEBDN is looking for Trustees who have the knowledge and understanding to maintain an oversight of these activities at a strategic level in a complex charity, and who can contribute well informed views, constructive challenge, and a commitment to best practice.  NEBDN would normally expect each Trustee to be able to do this in at least one of the areas below.  A Trustee’s ability to contribute in this way will often, but not always, draw on professional and / or practitioner experience at a senior level. 

Management

1. Strategic leadership and management within a small / medium sized or large organisation

Stewardship and governance

Trusteeship in a similar size or larger organisation, together with implementation of best practice in UK and / or international corporate governance Specialist expertise

An area of expertise relevant to NEBDN such as dentistry, accountancy / financial management, law, education and training, project or programme management, human resources, or organisational development Public policy formulation and influencing techniques Fundraising Marketing, communications, or public relations Service development and / or provision at a senior level in a health, education, or social care setting Developing and delivering services, which promote inclusion, equal opportunities, and diversity International

International development at strategic level, particularly planning and delivery of services, governance and structures, and financial management

What the role involves

• Preparing for and attending approximately 4 meetings of the Board each year
• Being a member of, and participating in, at least one of our subcommittees – this will include face to face meetings, video conferencing, and work outside of the meetings
• Attendance at the annual AGM and Strategic planning day.
• Ad hoc assistance as required.  

Time and commitment

The role requires around 10 days per year, plus time for reading and preparation. Trustees are expected to contribute to Board and committee discussions and to support good decision-making throughout the year. Board committees currently include Governance, Education & Standards, and Finance & Business Effectiveness.

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel, subsistence and care costs incurred in carrying out Trustee duties will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.

Trustee positions with the Civil Liberties Trust

The Civil Liberties Trust is excited to be seeking new Trustees to join the board.

The Civil Liberties Trust is a registered charity with income of around £2.5m per year, that works to promote human rights and civil liberties through research, policy work, litigation, education, and advice. It is independent of Liberty but works in parallel. The Trust does not employ staff but pursues its objectives by funding charitable human rights work.

We are particularly seeking applications from individuals with the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Experience of grant making/and or the grant making sector
• Health and Safety as it relates to landlords/freeholders
• Experience of property management and law.
• Networks of relevant stakeholders in philanthropy.
• Governance experience within the not-for-profit sector

You can find out more about the role and the duties of Trustees, including how to apply,  in our recruitment pack.

The deadline for applications is Friday 10 July 2026.

We are seeking to recruit a Trustee with expertise in major donor fundraising to join our Board.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a global charity working to improve diagnosis, treatment, support and research for people affected by encephalitis.

The Role

As a Trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and sustainability of Encephalitis International.

We are particularly seeking someone who can bring experience and insight in major donor recruitment, retention and stewardship to support the charity’s development and fundraising ambitions.

You will:

• Provide strategic guidance on major donor and philanthropic fundraising
• Help strengthen our approach to donor engagement, stewardship and long-term relationships
• Support the development of sustainable income streams and fundraising strategy
• Act as an ambassador for Encephalitis International and its mission
• Contribute to Board discussions and decision-making

This role is strategic rather than operational, though trustees may occasionally open doors, make introductions or support relationship-building where appropriate.

What We Are Looking For

We would particularly welcome candidates with experience in:

• Major donor fundraising or philanthropy
• High-value relationship management
• Philanthropic giving within the charity, corporate or private sectors
• Developing or advising on major gift strategies

You may have gained this experience through work in the non-profit sector, philanthropy, corporate leadership, wealth advisory, or as a major donor yourself.

We are also particularly keen to welcome candidates from under-represented groups.

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year (usually virtual) and one in-person away-weekend.
• Occasional participation in committee meetings or events
• Preparation time for meetings

This is a voluntary role, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Why Join Us?

By joining the Board of Encephalitis International you will play a vital role in helping the organisation expand its impact globally. Strengthening philanthropic support will allow us to reach more people affected by encephalitis, accelerate research and increase awareness of this often misunderstood condition.

You will be joining a passionate and committed Board helping to drive forward meaningful change for patients, survivors and families worldwide.

Trustee Recruitment – Join Our Board and Help Shape Our Future

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and bring fresh expertise, insight, and strategic leadership as we continue to grow our impact. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your professional skills to a mission‑driven organisation that makes a real difference in our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences, and we are particularly keen to strengthen our Board with expertise in the following areas:

Legal

Experience in charity, commercial, employment, safeguarding, or property law.

HR

Experience in HR leadership, people management, organisational development, employee relations, or workforce strategy

Marketing & Communications

Skills in digital comms, PR, brand development, or audience engagement.

Fundraising / Philanthropy

Knowledge of income generation, donor stewardship, corporate partnerships, or grant‑making.

Commercial Tourism

Experience in visitor attractions, hospitality, destination marketing, or customer experience.

Adult Social Care

Understanding of care provision, safeguarding, regulation, or community support services.

Property / Surveying

Expertise in estates, facilities, compliance, capital planning, or asset management.

You do not need previous trustee experience - we value your professional insight, strategic thinking, and commitment to our mission.

About the charity: 

COT has been at the forefront of learning disability support for over 40 years. Our innovative approach blends high-quality care, supported living, and life skills development with a thriving 100-acre farm that doubles as a popular family visitor attraction. This rare combination enables people with learning disabilities and autism to develop skills in areas such as animal care, horticulture, customer service, and the culinary arts, while fostering a strong sense of community and inclusion.

With a mission to empower individuality and achieve happiness, we support over 96 people in community settings, offering residential and supported living services, as well as an additional 70 external students in life skills. We are known for our holistic, person-centred approach and commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical farming. Our close-knit team of dedicated staff and volunteers is guided by values of courage, opportunity-seeking, collaboration, and doing the right thing.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping our strategy, ensuring strong governance, and supporting the organisation's long‑term sustainability. You will work collaboratively with fellow Board members and the senior team to guide our direction and champion our values.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge
• Bringing your professional expertise to Board discussions
• Ensuring good governance, financial sustainability, and risk management
• Acting as an ambassador for the organisation
• Supporting the senior team with insight, advice, and networks

 Time Commitment

• 4–6 Board meetings per year (in person)
• 4-6 Committee meetings (online)
• Occasional support between meetings, depending on your expertise
• A typical commitment is around 10–15 hours per month, flexible around your availability

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful leadership role in a purpose‑driven organisation
• The opportunity to use your skills for social good
• Experience in governance and strategic decision‑making
• A supportive, collaborative Board environment
• The satisfaction of helping shape our long‑term impact

 We Welcome Diverse Perspectives

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We particularly encourage applications from people who bring lived experience, come from underrepresented backgrounds, or have non‑traditional career paths.

Our workplace is built on acceptance, respect and inclusion where everyone feels they belong and can make meaningful contributions. We encourage applicants regardless of religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status. If you need any assistance during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Are you passionate about helping others? Could your skills and experience help shape the future of wellbeing support within the pharmacy profession?

Pharmacist Support – the profession’s independent charity – is recruiting lay trustees to join our Board and help guide the future direction of the charity at a time when wellbeing support across the profession has never been more important.

Recent Workforce Wellbeing Survey findings highlight continued high levels of stress and burnout across pharmacy, reinforcing the growing need for accessible and compassionate support for pharmacists and their families, trainees and students.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your professional experience, lived perspective and insight to help shape the charity’s strategy, governance and future development, ensuring Pharmacist Support continues meeting the changing needs of those it supports throughout their lives and careers.

About Pharmacist Support

Pharmacist Support is an independent, trusted charity providing free and confidential support to pharmacists and their families, former pharmacists, trainees and students.

We listen without judgement and help people navigate challenges including workplace pressures, financial difficulties and mental health and wellbeing concerns.

Established in 1841, Pharmacist Support has evolved from Benevolent Fund roots into a modern, forward-looking charity championing wellbeing across the profession.

About the role

We are particularly keen to hear from:

• Individuals with experience in the charity or voluntary sector
• Skills or expertise in areas such as finance, HR, governance, digital or fundraising.
• Individuals with lived experience of the charity’s services
• Those who can bring fresh perspectives, skills and insights from outside the pharmacy profession

Our aim is to build a Board of Trustees that is representative of the people and communities we support. We welcome applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and levels of experience.

If you are passionate about supporting others and feel your skills, experience or lived perspective could benefit our dynamic and innovative charity, we would love to hear from you. Previous trustee experience is not essential and full induction, training and ongoing support will be provided.

Pharmacist Support is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment for our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and trustees.

Time commitment

The role requires approximately one day per month across:

• Four Board meetings per year
• Four sub-committee meetings per year
• Preparation and reading time
• Occasional involvement in charity events, working groups or training

Board meetings are usually held in Manchester during the day, although virtual attendance can be accommodated where required. Sub-committee meetings are generally held virtually in the evening.

Reasonable expenses incurred to facilitate attendance at meetings will be reimbursed.

How to apply

To apply, please send:

• An up-to-date CV outlining your employment history, experience/qualifications as well as your contact details.
• A Supporting Statement (no more than 800 words)
  • Demonstrating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person Specification
  • Outlining why you are interested in being a trustee for Pharmacist Support and what you could bring to the board of trustees
• In your email, please state which role you are applying for (either pharmacy or lay) and indicate where you heard about the role.

Full details on the work and impact of Pharmacist Support, along with Trustee Recruitment Pack and application details can be found on our webiste.

Closing date: 12 noon Monday 3 August 2026

If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview with a panel of current Trustees in Manchester.

Interviews will take place on one of the following dates: 10, 11 and 14 September 2026

Successful applicants will initially be appointed for a three-year term, with the opportunity for reappointment subject to satisfactory peer appraisal and trustee term limits.

As part of the appointment process, trustees will be required to confirm they are eligible to act as a charity trustee.

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

About CBM UK 

CBM UK works alongside people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest places, partnering with civil society to catalyse change where it is needed most. As part of a Global Disability Inclusion Federation, CBM works together with fantastic local partners and Organisations of People with Disabilities to deliver programmes, advise development actors on inclusive approaches and advocate for change in 12 countries to break the cycle of poverty and disability. We’re seeking to change systems that keep people with disabilities marginalised. 

This is a pivotal time to join our team, as CBM UK approaches the start of a new strategic period where we will boldly aim to shift power, scale impact, sustain growth and inspire others to support and champion disability inclusion for all.

About the Chair opportunity

The Board of Trustees is responsible for overall governance and strategic direction of CBM UK, developing CBM UK’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with its governing documents, and legal regulatory requirements.

Our Board is engaged, inclusive, and globally representative, and supports a high-performing senior leadership team. We are seeking a Chair to build-on our strengths and facilitate our teams to forge connections and expand opportunities for CBM UK. This is an exciting opportunity to transform lives and build a more inclusive world for everyone, everywhere.

We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees who can bring the following experience and capabilities to the role:

Experience

• Experience as a Trustee or Chair of a Board; 
• Ability and willingness to open doors and maximise networking opportunities with strategic and funding partners, with a focus on innovating for a more inclusive world now and in the future;
• Understanding of the type of work undertaken by CBM UK e.g. international development, human rights, business, government, civil society and other not for profit sectors; 
• Experience raising significant funds from private sector sources; for example institutional funds, impact investment, corporate trusts, private trusts.
• Experience of successfully using influence to bring about a result for an organisation or cause. 

Join The Baked Bean Charity Board of Trustees!

Are you passionate about inclusion, equality, and creating lasting social impact?

The Baked Bean Charity is looking for dedicated and experienced individuals to join our Board of Trustees as we embark on a period of strategy development.

This is a unique opportunity to use your skills and expertise to help shape the future of a vibrant charity that supports more than 170 people with learning disabilities every week.

Why Join Us?

As a Trustee, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a real and visible difference to people's lives
• Champion the voices of people with learning disabilities
• Help guide the strategic direction of a growing charity
• Use your professional expertise to strengthen and develop our organisation
• Work alongside a passionate and committed Board and leadership team.

We're Looking For People Who:

• Believe strongly in inclusion, equality, and social justice
• Are committed to improving opportunities for people with learning disabilities
• Have strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Bring a proactive approach and a willingness to contribute
• Can dedicate approximately 2–3 hours per month to trustee responsibilities.

Skills and Experience We Need

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

• Fundraising
• Charity or business development
• Marketing and communications
• Legal services
• Human Resources

Previous experience as a charity trustee is welcomed but not essential.

Available Trustee Roles

We have two Trustee posts available

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates will:

• Understand the responsibilities and legal duties of charity trustees
• Be passionate about equality, inclusion, and empowering people with learning disabilities
• Be committed to making decisions that put the needs of our service users first
• Support our mission of delivering outstanding, person-centred services

Time Commitment

• Board meetings take place approximately every 6 weeks
• Meetings last approximately 2 hours
• Most meetings alternate between online and in person in Wimbledon
• The role is voluntary and unpaid, although reasonable expenses can be reimbursed

About The Baked Bean Charity

The Baked Bean Charity is a vibrant and innovative organisation dedicated to promoting social inclusion for people with learning disabilities.

Our wide-ranging activities include:

• Dance, Drama, Choir and DJing
• Zumba, Boxing and other sports activities
• Social clubs, holidays and community events
• Theatre in Education programmes that help businesses, schools and community organisations improve understanding, accessibility and inclusion
• Fledgling Film and TV agency

Everything we do is centred around helping people achieve their goals, build confidence, develop friendships and live happy, fulfilled lives.

Based in Wandsworth, we support people from across South London and surrounding boroughs, creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and challenging preconceptions every day.

We Welcome Diverse Voices

The Baked Bean Charity is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, especially those whose perspectives are currently underrepresented in charity governance.

Join us and help create a more inclusive future for people with learning disabilities!

TRUSTEE VACANCY | COVENTRY CITIZENS ADVICE
Volunteer | Board Role | Coventry | ~5–7 hours/month | Reviewed regularly

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Coventry Citizens Advice is recruiting new trustees to join its Board of Directors.

We are one of the largest local Citizens Advice charities in England, helping more than 14,000 people each year with issues including debt, housing, welfare benefits and fuel poverty. For over 80 years we have been a trusted source of free, independent advice for the people of Coventry — and demand for our services has never been higher.

This is a genuine governance role. You will help set our strategic direction, oversee our finances, ensure we meet our legal duties as a charity, and hold the organisation accountable to the communities it serves. We want trustees who engage with the detail and bring their professional judgement to decisions that matter.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

No previous trustee or board experience is required — just sound independent judgement, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in:
→ Law
→ Fundraising
→ Research and Campaigns

These areas are of direct strategic importance to our work, and applicants with this background will be especially welcomed.

THE ROLE

- Time commitment: approximately 5–7 hours per month (meetings held in the evenings)
- Voluntary and unpaid; reasonable expenses reimbursed
- Full induction and ongoing training provided

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

- Real experience of charity governance and strategic leadership
- Development of financial, legal and governance skills
- A meaningful leadership credential for your CV
- The opportunity to make a direct difference to thousands of lives in Coventry

WHO WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

We are committed to a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. All backgrounds and employment histories are welcome.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the application form and read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Please do not send a CV without an application form — it will not receive a response.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Closing date: 30 July 2026.

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Coventry Citizens Advice | 1–7 Station Street East, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 5FL
Registered charity. Trustee positions are voluntary and unpaid.

The Organisation
Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network working towards one vision: a world where every child grows up in a safe and loving family. We support the transformation of child protection and alternative care systems, shifting away from institutional care and strengthening families and communities to keep children safe.
The unique composition of our Foundation brings together our Key Assets teams in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and represents a network of over 1,000 foster care and child care practitioners. We combine this practical expertise with international advocacy and grant making through our MJF Global division to champion global care reform and support local organisations working to prevent family separation.

Structure
Our structure enables us to share and build on our collective experience, knowledge, practitioner skills, and proven best practice models as we continue to deliver innovative and quality services. Each organisation within the Martin James Foundation has its own strategy and mission of how it works towards our shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.
In addition, a set of shared strategic objectives enables us to achieve a greater combined impact. These objectives span a range of interventions that seek to support children, families and communities, as well as the structures and systems designed to protect them. Our work is informed and guided by the principles of the Guidelines of Alternative Care for Children, designed to enhance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Board
The Board of Trustees has strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that ambitious strategic goals are set and worked towards effectively. The Board of Trustees works in collaboration with the Executive team to make decisions on key issues, offering support and challenge on a range of matters. The Board of Trustees acts as a point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders, for example any complaints or grievances, in line with agreed processes. The Board of Trustees also has legal oversight of the charity, including responsibility for ensuring that statutory and reporting requirements to the Charity Commission are met.

Board Statement of Values and Decision Making
Board Members embrace the entrepreneurial ethos of the Martin James Foundation. The Board is keen to take innovative approaches to delivering the Foundation’s work and commits to working collaboratively and effectively, as a collective decision-making body, to ensure the success of the charity. In doing so, board members commit to upholding the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The Role of the Martin James Foundation Trustee
All Martin James Foundation Trustees contribute to the effective governance of the Foundation, through supporting the Board to make objective, long-term decisions on key issues in order to advance the charity’s mission and goals. Typically, such key issues will include: strategy, goal-setting, programme or project design, relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. government), public relations, finance, safeguarding, or any other legal matters. The Chair will hold the Board of Trustees and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. Each Trustee will support the Chair and Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives.

Person Specification
1. A strong and visible passion and commitment to Martin James Foundation, its strategic objectives, values and cause
2. Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
3. Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. An understanding and experience of international issues and the challenges facing NGOs working internationally is desirable
4. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
5. Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
6. Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events.
7. Desirable: Broad knowledge and understanding of children’s protection and social care and current issues affecting it.
8. Desirable: Lived experience of foster care or other family-based care.
9. Essential: Expertise in charity law and regulations gained through operating as a legal professional for Not-For-Profit / Charitable organisations.

Commitment and Conduct
The average time commitment is approximately 1 day per month, encompassing the following activities:
• Attendance at four quarterly Board meetings including review of all relevant papers and policies in advance of meetings. Meetings are held remotely with one in person annual general meeting. Papers for these meetings are circulated one week in advance. Meetings will focus on new projects, annual report and accounts, and other strategic decisions.
• Occasional exceptional Board meetings may be convened as required and are held by video call.
• Attendance at four quarterly Finance, Risk and Audit sub-committee meetings. Additional Board Committees are under consideration to which new Trustees would be invited to join in accordance with relevant skill sets.
• Meetings with executive leadership team members in relation to specific policies and projects, linking to relevant skills and specialisms brought by Trustees.
• Optional monthly meetings with the Chief Executive.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions to the Board, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply. All Board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and any training costs will be fully covered.

New Trustees will be provided with a structured induction and ongoing training and one-to-one support as appropriate.
As part of the appointment process, all Board members are required to adhere to the Martin James Foundation Code of Conduct and complete the Declaration of Eligibility and Interest form. The content of the Declaration of Interest form may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.

As our Chair of Trustees, we offer you a deeply rewarding role with the opportunity of personal fulfilment, leadership development, purpose and connection through your vital contribution to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected charity. You will ensure we achieve our mission to provide outstanding, free end-of-life care within our community.You will work alongside a skilled and passionate Board and executive team and have the chance to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of local people and their families.

We are seeking a passionate Chair of Trustees to help shape the future of our hospice and champion our vision that everyone has the opportunity to die at home with our community-based hospice care.

Become a YHA Trustee

Help shape the future of a charity that opens doors to adventure for young people.

YHA (England & Wales) is recruiting new Trustees to guide us through an exciting and challenging period of transformation. We’re looking for people who believe in our mission, can bring fresh perspective, and want to help increase access to the outdoors, nature and heritage.

Whether you’re an experienced leader or taking your first steps into governance, we’d love you to take a look at the opportunity.

As a Trustee, you’ll prepare for and take part in Board meetings, asking important questions to help make key decisions. You’ll share legal responsibility for the charity.

What you’ll get from joining our Board

• the opportunity to guide the strategic direction of a national charity

• the chance to use your knowledge to make a valuable contribution to society

• the forum to develop your skills and knowledge in key areas including principles of governance, financial management, strategic planning and problem solving

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and especially welcome applicants from young people under 30. These voices are currently under-represented on our Board. As a young people’s organisation, we are committed to changing that.

All successful applicants will receive a full induction and membership of an inclusive, welcoming Board.

We’re also looking to strengthen the Board with Trustees who bring strategic insight in one or more of the following areas:

• hospitality leadership

• data strategy, cyber security or business transformation

• proven senior leadership in a school or trust, bringing strong safeguarding leadership experience and well-established professional networks within education to support partnerships and strategic insight

Candidates must be over 16 years of age.

Apply by 9am, Monday 20 July 2026