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Do you want to help to make a real difference to the lives of women and girls?
We are looking to appoint a Trustee, who can support our communications and fundraising ambitions and act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee
Role Type: Voluntary
Location: London
Renumeration: While the role of a Trustee is not remunerated, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Time commitment:
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Five Board meetings per year (in person in Hammersmith west London), plus membership of at least one board sub-committee (four meetings a year online)
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Ad hoc availability as matters arise (by telephone)
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Participate in one strategy away day each year (on a Saturday, usually held in January)
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Commit to the Board of Trustees for at least three years
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Note - the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee will be expected to chair a committee meeting four times a year (online) in addition to the Board meetings
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, satisfactory DBS check and relevant legal and regulatory compliance checks.
Advance is committed to equality and diversity and aims to have a board of trustees that reflects the communities we work with. We strongly encourage applications from women including those with disabilities, from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those from LGBTQ+ communities.
About us
Our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just and equal lives. Advance is a women’s organisation delivering systems change, and trauma and gender-informed community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse, including those in contact with the criminal justice system. We work nationally through our innovative, best-practice approach and systems change initiatives. We deliver wraparound frontline services across the South and East of England, including Greater London.
Our expertise lies in decades of providing specialist support by women and for women and girls, to achieve safety, justice and equality at the intersection of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.
Our whole-system approach is aligned with our values of collaboration and innovation, partnering with other statutory and non-statutory providers, to deliver a coordinated community and gendered response, improving access to services across the whole system, enabling consistency and continuity of support throughout a woman’s journey.
Through our advocacy and awareness-raising work, we focus on systemic change and sustainable impact to meet women’s needs and improve their outcomes.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced, committed and fully inclusive Board.
You will join a dedicated and skilled board comprised of women and men to support the charity through a significant period of growth. Our staff team now includes over 170 skilled and passionate women across our programmes and our 10 women's centres in London and the South and East of England.
About the role
We are looking to appoint a Trustee to act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee. This is a vital role for an experienced and strategic thinker who can guide Advance’s efforts to grow income, diversify funding streams, and enhance our visibility and voice. As Trustee, you will work closely with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to provide leadership, to challenge, and support in developing sustainable income strategies and impactful communications.
Key Responsibilities
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Chair and help shape the agenda for the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee
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Provide strategic oversight and governance for fundraising (grants and trusts, corporates, individuals), income diversification, and partnership development with brands and events
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Support the delivery and monitoring of income generation plans and KPIs
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Work with the internal team and guide our brand strategy, messaging, and stakeholder communications
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Advise on business development opportunities
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Ensure that fundraising and marketing activities reflect and align our mission and values
Experience required
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Senior experience in fundraising, business development, communications, marketing, or income strategy, ideally in the charity, public, or commercial sectors
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Confident chairing meetings, building consensus, and offering challenge in a constructive way
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Ability to think strategically and spot opportunities for innovation and growth
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An understanding of governance, impact, and how to balance ambition with sustainability
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Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation
Knowledge, skills and understanding required
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Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
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Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board, and a willingness to speak their mind
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Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
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Good, independent judgement and strategic vision
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An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
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An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
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An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 22nd March 2026
Interviews: On a rolling basis
First-round interview, via Microsoft Teams.
Second-round interview will be in person at Advance Hammersmith
*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
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Reasonable Adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have additional needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Our vision is a world in which women and children lead safe, equal, violence-free lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life? Are you able to give your time, expertise and skills as a Trustee to support our charity in its hugely important mission?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an impactful and influential charity, supporting older residents in Sutton by providing valuable advice and support services regarding health, finances and wellbeing.
A trustee role can be hugely fulfilling, as well as helping you to develop and utilise strategic leadership skills, and work with a diverse and dynamic team.
We are looking for trustees who can bring their own unique experience and expertise to support the effective governance of our charity, in particular in areas such as data and digital, commercial experience, and knowledge of the health and care sector. An understanding of charity governance, fundraising or an accountancy qualification would be beneficial.
Who are Age UK Sutton?
Age UK Sutton is a small independent charity dedicated to helping older people in our community to live well in later life. We are a network partner of Age UK, the influential national charity, and benefit from membership of a network of similar independent charities across the UK. We deliver a mixture of social and community activities while influencing strategy in Sutton. We provide vital information, expert advice and practical support. Our work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health, care, and wellbeing, and enables greater social connection and independence.
Location: Sutton, South West London (and online meetings)
Time Commitment:
- Quarterly Board meetings, three-hour Board meetings held virtually on Teams (twice a year), and alternately face-to-face meetings
- Quarterly Committee meetings (2-3 hours): Fundraising and Enterprise and / or Quality and / or Finance, Risk and Audit (most trustees are expected to attend 2 of the 3 standing subcommittees)
- Trustees with the capacity to do so also have the opportunity to support occasional projects or short-term working groups, supporting the CEO and wider leadership team.
Duration: A 3-year term (may be extended for two further 3-year terms)
Final closing date: Tuesday 1 April
Please download the full information pack. The covering letter should set out the following (in no more than 2 pages):
Why are you interested in a trustee role at Age UK Sutton?
How you would contribute to Age UK Sutton as a trustee?
Please highlight all relevant experience, and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the Person Specification.
Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the above areas and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description.
A Sutton where every older person lives well, feeling connected and valued with the confidence and support they need to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
The 5% Club is a national dynamic movement of employers committed to “Earn and Learn” as part of building and developing the workforce they need for a socially mobile, prosperous and cohesive nation. We exist to help our Members and all employers increase further the number, quality and range of Earn and Learn opportunities across the UK. By joining The 5% Club, our Members aspire to achieve 5% of their workforce in Earn and Learn positions (including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes) within five years of joining.
The 5% Club now represents over 1250 organisations with 2m employees, of which almost 121,000 are in on-the-job training – an average, of more than 6?ross the movement. Our mission is rooted in employers taking a proactive role in addressing the UK’s critical skills challenges. It’s about developing people with the right skills to forge meaningful career paths and its members represent some of the gold standards of training and skills development.
We want roles such as apprenticeships, sponsored student placements, graduate programmes and upskilling to be accessible to all. By “all,” we mean the spectrum of Britain’s social diversity – racial, cultural, gender, age, background and more. The end goal is to drive up shared prosperity in the country by enlisting all manner of organisation sizes (from SMEs, for whom “5%” means one person – to FTSE100 household names employing tens of thousands) as Members, who then sign the Charter committing to building a workforce with at least 5% of their employees in Earn and Learn roles.
The 5% Club has strong connections to the Government, industry bodies and education partners and this plays a huge part in advocacy and change.
To find out more about what we do, visit our website.
The Role
The Chair of the Board provides strategic leadership to the charity, ensuring it is well governed, financially sustainable, and delivering meaningful impact for its beneficiaries. The role requires an experienced and collaborative leader who can support the Chief Executive, guide the Board, and uphold the highest standards of charity governance.
Key responsibilities
Governance Leadership
- Lead the Board in ensuring the charity fulfils its mission, complies with its governing document, and meets all legal and regulatory requirements (including Charity Commission expectations).
- Ensure the Board operates effectively, with the right balance of skills, diversity, and experience. Lead regular Board effectiveness reviews and support ongoing trustee development.
- Uphold the principles of good governance, encouraging constructive challenge, accountability, and high ethical standards.
Strategic Oversight
- Work with trustees and the Chief Executive to set the charity’s long-term vision, strategy, and priorities.
- Ensure appropriate systems are in place to monitor performance, impact, and risk. Oversee the quality of impact reporting, ensuring the charity communicates its outcomes effectively.
- Champion organisational learning, innovation, and responsiveness to change in the external environment.
Supporting and Challenging the Chief Executive
- Provide support, guidance, and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive.
- Maintain a strong, transparent, and trusting working relationship with the Chief Executive.
- Undertake formal annual appraisal of the Chief Executive and ensure the Board supports their performance and development.
- Act as the Chief Executive’s point of escalation for urgent or exceptional decisions requiring Chair involvement.
Board Leadership & Culture
- Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring inclusive and balanced discussions and clear decisions.
- Ensure committees function effectively and are properly delegated while maintaining appropriate oversight.
- Build a collaborative board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and maintaining a focus on beneficiaries. Lead succession planning across the Board – and supporting Committees – and ensure recruitment reflects diversity and skill needs.
- Lead trustee recruitment, induction, and succession planning (except for the recruitment of a new Chair).
External Representation
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, representing it with key stakeholders, funders, partners, regulators, and the media (as appropriate).
- Support the Chief Executive and senior team in relationship-building with donors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
- Promote the charity’s reputation and influence within relevant sectors. Represent the Charity in policy, advocacy and employer-facing forums where appropriate.
Risk, Finance & Compliance
- Ensure robust financial oversight, including budgeting, audit, reserves, and investment policies.
- Oversee risk management and ensure the Board receives timely information to make informed decisions.
- Ensure the charity maintains high standards in safeguarding, health & safety, data protection, and other statutory areas. Provide assurance over internal control systems and review the annual report and accounts prior to approval.
The Person
We are seeking an individual with substantial senior leadership experience, ideally a current or former business leader within an employer organisation, and prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, non-profit organisation, or charity. Experience in environments involving policy engagement or multistakeholder representation would be advantageous.
Essential Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience in a business, employer organisation, or large operational environment.
- Prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, charity, or non-profit.
- Experience of organisational governance, strategic planning, and risk oversight.
- Experience supporting or overseeing a Chief Executive or senior leadership team.
- Demonstrable experience building high-performing boards or teams.
- Experience engaging with Government, regulators, or policy-influencing environments.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in the charity sector, voluntary or community work, or public service.
- Experience with fundraising, commissioning, or managing external partnerships.
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., Charity Commission guidance, safeguarding,data protection).
- Experience within a membership organisation or skills/employability-focused sector.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate insight into practical direction.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to chair meetings effectively and foster inclusive discussion.
- Integrity, independence of mind, and sound judgement.
- Ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Confidence in ambassadorial and stakeholder-facing roles, including ability to represent the organisation publicly, including handling media or public scrutiny if required.
Personal Attributes
- Genuine alignment with the charity’s mission and values.
- Collaborative, supportive, and low-ego leadership style.
- Ability to challenge constructively and hold others to account.
- Resilient, calm under pressure, and capable of navigating ambiguity.
- High ethical standards and commitment to trusteeship responsibilities.
- Comfortable operating in high-visibility environments and representing the charity in national settings.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role of the Governing Body includes collective oversight of the College’s activities and setting and reviewing
our strategy and mission. The governor role is comparable with the non-executive directors of a public company
but instead of being accountable to shareholders, governors are accountable for public funds. As the College is an exempt charity, all governors are charity trustees.
Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something
back to the local community.
The College is currently looking for two new governors to join the Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, who
are looking for an opportunity to use and develop their professional skills in a board-level environment.
You don’t need to have prior board experience to apply.
The Board is currently looking for two new governors will have experience of one, or more, of the following areas: FE, education, apprenticeships.
The Board also values the diversity of our students and staff, who come from a variety of ethnic, cultural and
religious backgrounds. The Board is determined to reflect this diversity amongst our Governing Body and
encourages people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As the Thackray Museum of Medicine looks to build on a period of bold strategic growth since our 2021 redevelopment, we are seeking an experienced, ambitious and community-minded Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The Thackray is the UK’s largest independent medical museum: a dynamic, civic museum in East Leeds with a nationally significant collection of over 50,000 objects and a clear mission to inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare - past, present and future. Since reopening we have grown audiences, deepened community partnerships and developed an ambitious plan to be the UK’s leading medical museum by 2030.
Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Term: Minimum three years from 12th May 2026, renewable (maximum six years)
Commitment: Approx. 1–1.5 days per month (voluntary; reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Your location: Ideally Leeds (nationwide considered); Board meetings four times a year (three may be hybrid; in-person presence preferred).
The Role:
The Chair will lead and steward an engaged, forward-thinking Board to support the CEO and senior team as the Museum consolidates recent gains and secures long-term resilience. You will ensure excellent governance, provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, strengthen relationships with funders and partners, champion the Museum’s commitment to equity and community co-curation, and be an ambassador for the organisation locally and nationally.
Key responsibilities:
· Set strategic direction: Lead the Board in shaping, approving and monitoring delivery of the CEO’s strategy to meet the Museum’s mission and 2030 ambitions.
· Own governance & risk: Ensure high standards of governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and effective oversight of the risk register.
· Build board capability: Drive trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession planning to secure the skills, diversity and lived experience needed.
· Partner with the CEO: Line-manage and support the CEO - offering constructive challenge, guidance on operations and people matters, and ensuring strong executive accountability.
· Champion income & profile: Use networks to open doors to major funders, partners and donors, and actively raise the Museum’s profile.
· Ensure financial stewardship: Oversee budgets, reserves and trading activity with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, and scrutinise financial reporting.
· Lead effective meetings: Chair Board meetings, encourage robust discussion, ensure timely decisions and follow-through on agreed actions.
· Represent and advocate: Act as an ambassador to civic partners, funders, media and diverse local communities.
· Steward the estate: Support oversight of capital, maintenance and estate priorities for the Museum’s Victorian building.
Who you are:
· Seasoned governance leader: Experienced chair or senior trustee with sound knowledge of trustee duties, charity & company law and governance best practice.
· Strategic thinker: Track record of leading strategy in museums, heritage, culture, health or education - or in complex, stakeholder-facing organisations.
· Fundraising connector: Proven at building relationships with major funders, trusts, corporates or donors and supporting successful income-raising and profile activity.
· Financially literate: Comfortable with budget scrutiny, risk oversight and the commercial realities of earned income models or trading subsidiaries.
· Capital & estate experience: Practical experience of overseeing capital projects, estate stewardship or major building maintenance.
· ED&I and community champion: Committed to equity, inclusion and co-creation, with evidence of widening participation and diversifying leadership.
· Confident ambassador: Excellent interpersonal and public-facing skills; able to represent the Museum credibly to varied audiences.
· Supportive leader: Able to challenge and develop senior executives while fostering a collegiate, high-performing board culture.
· Local affinity desirable: A strong connection to Leeds or experience working in diverse urban communities is an advantage.
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief . To apply, please send an up-to-date CV, a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest and relevant experience, in confidence to Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button.
For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. There is also the opportunity for suitable interested candidates to speak to The Thackray’s CEO in advance of submitting an application.
Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026.
First stage interviews: w/c 13 April 2026 (tbc).
Second stage interviews: w/c 20 April 2026 (tbc).
The Thackray is actively committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer (registration number DCS036392) and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making Wakefield a fairer city? Join us and help improve the lives of people in Wakefield!
Prosper Wakefield District is a dynamic, independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in Wakefield. We provide grants, foster partnerships and encourage investment into the Wakefield District.
At Prosper, our core values are at the heart of everything we do:
· Valuing trust and bravery
· Collaborating for better
· Listening then acting
· Considering different points of view.
If this describes you – then we’d love to hear from you! You could be joining our small and welcoming Trustee board and making a difference to the people of our district.
About Us:
Prosper Wakefield District is a dynamic and impactful charity dedicated to supporting the VCSE sector, who work with some of the most vulnerable people and communities and those facing the greatest health inequalities. We also work with health, business, and public sector partners to identify and develop shared approaches to reduce gaps in health inequalities in some of the districts most deprived neighbourhoods and communities. Our work positively impacts the lives of so many underrepresented and disadvantaged groups across the district. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees.
Role Overview:
As a Trustee of Prosper you will play a vital role in ensuring the charity is effectively governed and well-managed. You will work alongside fellow trustees and the executive team to provide strategic direction, ensure accountability, and oversee the charity’s operations and financial health.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction.
- Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, and other relevant legislation.
- Safeguard the charity’s assets and ensure proper financial management.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the charity’s policies, goals, and objectives.
- Attend and actively participate in board meetings and annual events.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work within personal and professional networks.
Skills and Experience:
We are looking for people who possess:
- A passion for the work Prosper do and the Wakefield District.
- A varied background of culture and ethnicity.
- Strategic vision and independent judgment.
- The ability to think creatively and offer constructive criticism.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
- No experience is necessary for success in this role.
Desirable (but not essential) Experience:
- Expertise in areas such as finance, fundraising, marketing, law, HR, or community engagement.
- A ‘lived’ experience (having experienced hardship) helps to reflect the communities we support and understand the challenges they face.
- Understanding of the voluntary sector and the challenges faced by charities.
What We Offer:
- An opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of Wakefield & District underrepresented groups.
- A chance to work with a passionate and dedicated team.
- Personal development opportunities through trustee training and networking events.
- Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity to contribute to the success of Prosper, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience by 31st March 2026. Before applying, please read and download the supporting documents and information pack from the Prosper Wakefield District website.
Prosper is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of the community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting The Girls’ Network in the search to appoint their next Chair and two Trustees.
About The Girls’ Network
At The Girls’ Network, we believe that no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background or parental income.
Young people from lower-income families are significantly less likely to go on to higher education than their wealthier peers, which can have a lifelong impact on opportunity and earning potential. Recent years have also seen inequalities deepen and young people’s wellbeing adversely affected, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic. These structural and social barriers disproportionately affect girls and young women from communities of least advantage.
We exist to challenge this inequality. Our mission is to inspire and empower girls and young women from underrepresented backgrounds to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and develop the confidence and capacity to shape their own futures.
We work in communities of least advantage across England to deliver programmes that provide long-term, meaningful support.
About the Opportunities
The Girls’ Network is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead and support The Girls’ Network through their exciting next phase of growth, supporting an exceptional, values-driven team and ensuring they remain ambitious, accountable and true to their founding mission.
We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with:
- Experience of strategic leadership and governance within a complex organisation.
- Experience or understanding of the education / schools landscape.
- Good understanding of voluntary sector governance, funding and finance management.
- Thorough understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Demonstrable financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability.
- A track record of driving innovation and organisational change, with the ability to apply insight to support the charity’s achievement of its strategic objectives.
- Experience of working across sectoral boundaries, leveraging partnerships and opportunities.
The Girls’ Networks is also seeking two talented and committed Trustees to join their Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Fundraising
- IT and digital
We are also seeking Trustees from the North East, Merseyside, West Midlands who can bring their lived experience to add value to the Board. We also encourage applications from young Trustees and will support first-time Trustees to bring their valuable perspectives to the Board.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role: Trustee
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary: Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline: 17th May 2026
Interviews: In person in London SE20
ABOUT US
Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.
BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships
Our Ethos
BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:
- focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
- be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
- treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community. Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.
OUR SERVICES
BCWA provide a wide range of services including:
Refuge
We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.
Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.
BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.
Advice & Support
BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.
We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.
Our other services include:
Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse
NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.
Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.
Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture.
Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice.
BECOMING A TRUSTEE
What is a Trustee?
Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.
Why become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.
Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.
Why join our board?
BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.
Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.
BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.
The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.
In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.
A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.
What skills are we looking for?
We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance. We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:
· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background
· Provision of mental health services
· AI expertise
ROLE DESCRIPTION
We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
Trustee duties
- To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
- To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
- To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
- To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
- To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.
In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.
Personal skills and qualities
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
What impact will you have?
You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.
You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.
We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
- Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.
Further Information
We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.
New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.
As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve.
BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Reg. Charity No.1068007.
Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


