Chair and trustees volunteer roles
Settled is recruiting new trustees to join its Board and support EU citizens and Ukrainian refugees to access their rights in the UK. This is a voluntary role, open to first-time trustees and those with board experience. We are particularly interested in skills relating to finance, fundraising, governance, or equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as lived experience. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person away day per year. Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK. It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery. In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective.
We are looking to find up to 3 inspirational Trustees with experience in one of more of the following areas:
- Legal (employment, contract, and charity law)
- Development/Fundraising (significant networks amongst corporate partners or major and mid-level donors)
- Policy/Advocacy or Public Affairs (with an understanding of the Modern Slavery or adjacent human rights topics)
As a trustee of the Sophie Hayes Foundation, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.
Trustee Role & Responsibilities
The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.
Responsibilities
As a trustee of SHF, you will work collectively with fellow board members to provide effective governance, oversight and strategic support. Your core duties will include:
1.Upholding SHF’s Mission and Values
- Support and advise on SHF’s purpose, vision, goals and charitable objects.
- Act at all times in the best interests of survivors and SHF’s mission.
- Promote SHF’s values, including survivor-centred practice, inclusion and safeguarding.
2. Governance, Compliance and Ethical Oversight
- Ensure SHF complies with its constitution, charity law and relevant regulations.
- Ensure resources are used responsibly and exclusively to further SHF’s charitable purposes.
- Maintain high standards of integrity, including declaring and managing conflicts of interest.
- Support effective governance structures, including participation in learningfocused reviews.
3. Financial Stewardship and Risk Management
- Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring sustainability and protection of assets.
- Monitor financial performance, risks and internal controls.
- Contribute to board-level scrutiny of finance and risk, supporting informed decision-making.
4. Strategic Support and Constructive Challenge
- Provide strategic guidance and support to the Executive, helping to shape direction, priorities and performance.
- Contribute to discussions on strategy, planning and organisational development.
- Offer constructive challenge in line with SHF’s values and governance expectations.
5. Safeguarding, Culture and Psychological Safety
- Promote a safe, transparent and inclusive organisational culture.
- Support safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring staff, volunteers and people with lived experience feel safe to raise concerns.
6. Board Participation and Collaboration
- Use your skills, experience and networks to strengthen the Board’s effectiveness.
- Prepare for, attend and actively contribute to Board and relevant committee meetings.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with other trustees, the Chair and the Executive.
7. Advocacy and External Engagement
- Act as an ambassador for SHF, promoting our work and raising our profile.
- Advocate for survivors of modern slavery and support SHF’s influence, partnerships and fundraising efforts.
Specialist Responsibilities
We are seeking up to 3 trustees who can bring specialist expertise in one or more of the following areas, complementing the skills of the Chair and wider Board:
Legal
- Experience in employment, contract, charity or human rights law.
- Ability to advise on legal risk, governance obligations and regulatory duties.
Development / Fundraising
- Strong personal or professional networks with potential corporate, philanthropic or major donors.
- Ability to open doors, strengthen partnerships and support revenue generation.
Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs
- Understanding of modern slavery or adjacent human rights issues.
- Ability to support SHF’s policy development, influencing work and external relationships.
Oxfordshire Mind is your local mental health charity, working across Oxfordshire and Berkshire West to make sure that everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. We offer a broad range of services that help people stay well, manage difficult moments and build long-term resilience.
We are looking for a new Chair of the Trustee Board who will provide the leadership that can help guide us through both the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead of us. Our new Chair will provide leadership to the organisation and the Board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit and enable the charity to maximise its impact.
What are we looking for?
For our new Chair, we’re looking for someone who shares our values, believes in fairness and inclusion, and who cares deeply about our communities. You will bring steady leadership, warmth, curiosity, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Experience and Knowledge:
- Be able to operate strategically and work effectively with the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive to shape and develop the organisation’s strategic vision.
- Possess the leadership skills required to guide both the Board of Trustees and the wider organisation.
- Have relevant experience and knowledge in key areas that relate to the Charity’s sphere of operation: mental health, the voluntary sector, the NHS, public sector commissioning and local government, and business development; and
- Have experience and knowledge of the geographical area within which the Charity operates (i.e Oxfordshire and Berkshire).
- Experience of being a Trustee (you do not need to have been a Chair before).
What difference will you make?
You will help guide the charity as it navigates the future and delivers an impactful strategy, ensuring we are collectively the best we can be for our beneficiaries and ensuring we deliver impactful services and continue to challenge stigma around mental health.
Time Commitment
Depending upon the Chair’s personal leadership style, it is estimated that the overall time commitment is likely to average around 4 days per month.
While the focus of our search is on finding our new Chair, we are also looking for new Trustees for our Board. Our Trustees ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations. The expected time commitment for a Trustee is expected to average around one day
per month.
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 Overview
Organisation: EmbraceAbility
Role Title: Chair of Trustees
Location: Remote with occasional meetings (UK-based preferred)
Hours: Approximately 4–6 hours per month
Expiry Date: 31 March
About EmbraceAbility
EmbraceAbility supports disabled children and their families through inclusive programmes, safeguarding guidance and community-led care. We work to strengthen wellbeing, promote dignity and ensure that every child has access to safe, nurturing and empowering support. Our approach centres the voices of families, builds long-term resilience and encourages inclusive, sustainable change.
We are a disability-led, community-rooted organisation working in Cambodia and Malawi. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to build a world where they are included, resourced, and recognised with dignity, agency and justice.
Role Purpose
The Chair of Trustees provides leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance and strategic oversight of the organisation. The Chair works closely with the Director to support strong decision-making, accountability and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and alignment with EmbraceAbility's mission.
- Support the Director by providing guidance, oversight and strategic leadership.
- Ensure the Board fulfils its legal, financial and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Facilitate productive Board meetings, including agenda-setting and follow-up actions.
- Champion inclusive, disability-led approaches and ensure lived experience informs governance decisions.
- Represent EmbraceAbility externally where appropriate.
What You Will Help Us Achieve
- Stronger governance structures rooted in justice and inclusion
- Improved strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability.
- Greater visibility and advocacy for disability rights within our programmes.
- Support for our work in Cambodia and Malawi to grow responsibly and ethically.
Benefits to the Volunteer
- Opportunity to drive meaningful, rights-based change in disability inclusion.
- Experience in governance, leadership and international development.
- Working alongside a passionate, disability-led team.
- Flexible, remote role that fits around other commitments.
Support and Training
You will receive support from the Director and the Board, including safeguarding training, organisational induction, and ongoing guidance relevant to governance and disability-inclusive practice.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
The Organisation
Changeworks is Scotland’s leading environmental organisation, driving the decarbonisation of homes and supporting a just transition to net zero. With over 35 years of experience, the organisation works with individuals, communities, businesses, and partners to deliver energy advice, retrofit solutions, and innovative decarbonisation services that reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and tackle fuel poverty. In recent years, Changeworks has assisted tens of thousands of households in installing energy efficiency measures, provided thousands with expert energy support, and saved hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon, making low-carbon living a tangible reality across Scotland.
The Role
This is an exceptional opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Changeworks. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees in providing strategic direction and ensuring effective governance, guiding the organisation through an important period of growth while championing its environmental and social values.
The Chair will serve as a statutory trustee and non-executive director, offering strategic leadership, guidance, and robust governance oversight across Changeworks and its subsidiary organisations, driving meaningful impact in communities, households, and businesses throughout Scotland.
The Person
The role requires a strategic and analytical thinker capable of balancing social impact with commercial success and long-term sustainability. The Chair will communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice, while fostering inclusive governance by valuing diverse perspectives.
Required Experience and Capabilities
Senior Leadership and Governance Experience
The ideal candidate will have leadership experience demonstrating strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, and an understanding of governance complexities in charitable and commercial sectors. This may include:
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Senior management, executive, or non-executive roles in mission-driven organisations.
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Experience serving on boards or committees across sectors.
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A track record of leading teams through organisational transformation and growth.
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Experience engaging diverse stakeholder groups, including social housing, local government, or minority communities.
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Proven experience in trustee or non-executive roles, with strong governance and oversight capabilities.
The Chair is expected to have:
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A proven track record of chairing boards or high-level committees, ideally in a purpose-driven or hybrid commercial-social environment.
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Experience as a charity trustee or non-executive director.
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The ability to navigate complex political and economic landscapes to advocate for decarbonisation and a just transition.
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A commitment to decarbonising homes in Scotland and addressing fuel poverty.
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Experience overseeing organisational growth or transformation aligned with Changeworks’ scaling objectives.
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Exceptional diplomatic, mediation, and relationship-building skills to manage board dynamics and the CEO partnership.
Strategic Growth & Risk Management
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Experience driving or enabling organisational growth and development.
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Understanding of risk management in complex organisations.
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Knowledge of good governance practices in regulated sectors.
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Demonstrated success in purpose-driven organisations.
Specialist Knowledge Areas
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Experience in the social housing sector.
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Experience in rural communities.
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Background in entrepreneurship, innovation, or research & development commercialisation.
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Understanding of technical aspects of retrofit.
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Experience in public affairs, government engagement, or lobbying.
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Access to networks beneficial to Changeworks is desirable.
Additional Considerations
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Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged.
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Candidates should share a commitment to environmental action and bring diverse perspectives.
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New Board members are expected to serve on at least one sub-committee, including Strategy, Audit and Risk, or Nominations.
Support SPEAR’s mission to end homelessness through strong governance and collaborative leadership as Chair of Trustees.
Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 3rd February
SPEAR works towards a clear and ambitious vision: communities in which anyone facing or experiencing homelessness can quickly move into secure accommodation, receive effective support and work towards their hopes and aspirations.
For over 35 years, SPEAR has supported people across South West London who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness; particularly people with experience of rough sleeping. Their work enables people to move from crisis to stability by providing secure accommodation, holistic support and the opportunity to work towards a positive future. Its work spans outreach to people sleeping rough, accommodation and tenancy support, health and well-being services, and longer-term interventions that address the underlying causes of homelessness.
Led by an experienced executive team and supported by a committed Board of Trustees, SPEAR works closely with local authorities, health services and other partners, and continues to adapt its approach in response to rising need and a changing external environment.
They now seek a new Chair of Trustees to provide strong, values-led governance and to help guide the Board as it continues to develop its effectiveness. Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive, you will support clear decision-making, constructive challenge and a collaborative Board culture, ensuring SPEAR remains well-governed, ambitious and true to its mission.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 3rd February 2026.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Spare Tyre Theatre Company are recruiting voluntary non-executive board members with a passion for participatory theatre arts. New trustees will be joining us at an exciting time for the company, as we implement our next 3-5 year strategy; prepare for our 50th anniversary year in 2027; continue our year-round programme of creative participatory workshops; and develop two new touring productions: What Will Happen to the Cat? and Vanishing Point.
Spare Tyre is one of the UK’s leading participatory theatre companies. We are an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation and are an artist, disability and female led charity. We make inclusive arts and theatre productions, experiences and projects in arts venues and non-traditional arts spaces with people that are under-represented in arts, culture and society’s wider decision making. Built on nearly 50 years’ experience, our work is participatory, collaborative, immersive, taboo-busting and above all responsive to the passions and talents of the people who make it.
We are recruiting 2 – 3 voluntary non-executive board members. We do not require trustees to have specific experience in the arts, and are seeking to increase the experience and diversity of our board, particularly in the areas of:
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Lived experience and/or a professional background working with people in the Care sector and/or people living with dementia and/or long-term health conditions
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Experience of, or a desire to, engage with inclusive working practices
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Participatory arts practitioners
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Environmental responsibility
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Digital and social media
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Marketing and PR
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Understanding of publicly funded arts at a strategic level
Key Accountabilities of a Trustee are to:
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Act as ambassadors, champions and advocates for the organisation
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Approve strategic plans, budgets, annual accounts and policies
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Be willing to contribute your time and share your knowledge
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Provide advice and support for the Executive team
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Sit on committees and panels as required
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Engage in the fundraising strategy and development activities wherever possible
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Attend performances and other events by Spare Tyre and peer companies
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Understand the commitment required to join the Board
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Understand the legal requirements of being a charity Trustee: Gov UK have prepared some 5-minute guides for charity trustees that can be accessed here
Key Characteristics of a Spare Tyre Trustee are to:
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Promote and model Spare Tyre’s culture of inclusion, openness and collaboration
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Monitor and evaluate progress against targets and ACE Investment Principles
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Be passionate about the company’s work
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Be ready to challenge and provoke
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Be excited to promote an inclusive culture
Help shape the future of youth gaming and gambling-related harm prevention by becoming the Chair of Trustees of Ygam, an evidence-led charity.
About Ygam
Ygam is a national charity with a clear mission: to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research. Our award-winning workshops are assured by City & Guilds and informed by psychologists, academics and health professionals alongside people with lived experience.
Founded in 2014, Ygam has evolved into the UK’s leading charity in this area, delivering impact-focused training and education across the UK to those in positions of influence over children and young people.
Over the past decade, Ygam has trained over 28,000 delegates and reached an estimated 4.3 million children and young people. With 95% of delegates recommending our training, we’re making real progress in safeguarding our digital generation.
The opportunity
We are in the third year of our “Safeguarding our Digital Generation” strategy, and we will begin the process to appoint our new Chief Executive later this year. As our current Chair comes to the end of their term this year, we are looking for a visionary leader to join our board and help shape the future of harm prevention.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the board at a critical time when digital safeguarding has never been more important.
We seek a Chair who will play a pivotal role in leading our Board and guiding the development of our new strategy in the years to come. This position requires an individual with a track record of board experience and strategic acumen to help drive Ygam’s ambitious growth plans.
Who we are looking for
We believe that diverse experiences and perspectives are crucial to effective governance. The digital challenges facing young people today are complex and interconnected, requiring a broad perspective that can view issues through multiple lenses.
We are looking for a Chair with a track record of board appointments who can guide strategic discussions, collaborate with our board, build relationships that are both supportive and challenging, and serve as an ambassador for Ygam.
This role requires someone who can balance strategic oversight with a desire to lead a best practice board to ensure Ygam continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges.
Location: London
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at: 9 a.m. Monday 2nd March 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Deadline: Tuesday 10 February
Interviews: Tuesday 3 March
Purpose of role
This is an exciting moment to join our organisation. Over the last three years, guided by our new Co-Directors and a collective of dedicated trustees and staff, we’ve shifted our perspective and priorities to centre our community across all the work we do. As a result, they’re our starting point for understanding culture, programming, the venue and everything else. We’re committed to working in long-term, transformative ways to ensure we’re an organisation that’s informed by the needs of now and makes space for a future for everyone.
As Kami Lamakan steps away at the end of March, we’re looking for an experienced leader who can enthuse a team of trustees and provide clear guidance, mentoring and challenge to the Co-Directors and executive team, confidently advocating for the work we do. Well-connected, you’ll work hard to raise our profile as an international arts centre at the heart of our community, introducing Chapter to people and organisations who’ll support us to achieve our vision for a sustainable future.
You’ll be passionate about art and artists, building community cohesion, and believe that care and equity should sit at the heart of everything we do. You’ll need to balance this commitment with strong financial acumen and leadership experience within the creative, charity or public sectors.
These are challenging times for the arts and we’re looking for someone who can enable us to extend our reach, influence and impact.
We’re open to recruiting a Chair or Co-Chairs to this role. You can apply as either, but please indicate in your application which option you are interested in.
Find out more
See our recruitment pack for full information.
We’re also holding an informal, online session so you can find out more, ask questions and chat with some of our existing trustees. This will be held on Zoom on Tuesday 27 January, 5.30pm. This meeting will include BSL interpretation, live captioning and a notetaker but if you have any additional access requirements, for example you would prefer to meet in person, please let us know. If you’d like to join the online meeting, or arrange an in-person conversation, please email Rory Duckhouse.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re seeking committed new trustees to help guide a small but ambitious charity supporting children and young people with cerebral palsy, ensuring our funds deliver meaningful, life-changing impact.
Our Board is made up of a small, committed group of trustees who bring a mix of professional expertise and personal connection to our cause. Together, we oversee a grant-making charity that has a long heritage and a clear ambition: to increase our income and ensure we can support more children and young people with cerebral palsy in meaningful, practical ways.
Like many small charities, our challenge is balancing strong governance with growth. We are financially stable and well run, but we want to think more strategically about our future: how we prioritise funding, how we grow awareness and income, and how we ensure every grant we make delivers real, lasting benefit for families. The new trustee will play an active role in shaping these conversations and helping the Board move confidently from steady state to sustainable growth.
The role is hands-on and collaborative. Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings a year, contribute thoughtfully to discussion and decision-making, and engage between meetings when specific issues arise. Depending on interest and experience, the new trustee may also be invited to take a lead role in an area of work or join a small working group, for example around fundraising development, investment oversight, or grant assessment.
This is an opportunity to influence how limited charitable funds are used where they matter most. Trustees are directly involved in decisions that enable children to access therapy, specialist equipment, and support that may not otherwise be available. For someone who wants to make a tangible difference, this is a role where your contribution can be clearly seen in the lives of the children and families we support.
The Board values open discussion, shared responsibility, and a supportive culture, making this an especially rewarding role for someone who wants their time and judgement to have genuine impact.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Mountview is one of the UK’s leading drama schools, and we are passionate about developing the next generation of creative talent. In our 80th birthday year, we are excited to invite applications for new trustees to join our Board and help provide strategic direction to the charity.
We are committed to maintaining and strengthening the diversity of our Board and particularly encourage applications from individuals from traditionally under-represented backgrounds, as well as those who live or work locally to our home building in Peckham, South East London. Applicants should have knowledge of, or a strong interest in, the performing arts and education.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As a Trustee at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board and CEO to drive our new strategy forward, finding opportunities to expand our income generating activity and building our capacity to deliver a range of quality services to everyone who needs our help. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.
This is an exciting time to join our organisation, as we look to begin implementing a new strategy. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. We welcome applications from all who resonate with our organisational values and objectives, and specifically from those with skills or experience in fundraising and income generation, and charity governance and risk management. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to the Treasurer role, find out more on our website.
Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.
As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:
- Strategic planning
- Governance
- Budgeting and financial analysis
- Risk management
- Chairing meetings
As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:
- Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
- Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
- Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
- Finding your feet with a brand new team of people
Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.
As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.
Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.
Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position.
Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it, and we act to prevent it. Build Lives Free from Domestic Abuse.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Taunton Brewhouse is looking for trustees from all backgrounds. Key is sharing our vision for a bold, brilliant cultural venue in Taunton, adding to our existing skills and expedrience and prepared to to play an active role in meeting the challenges ahead.
If you have experience in general management and/or in HR, marketing or fundraising do get in touch. We also seek a lead trustee on finance - please see separate announcement.
As a trustee, you'll share responsibility for:
- agreeing strategy and goals for Taunton Brewhouse
- appointing and setting salaries for senior management
- giving oversight and support to management
- paying attention to financial management
- ensuring due diligence in all regulatory matters including safe-guarding
- ensuring a robust approach to management of risk.
You'll attend Board meeting although much work is carried out in projects or committees. You'll be an ambassador for Taunton Brewhouse and support our wider endeavours through attending press and community events.
There are 5 formal meetings pa held in evenings at Taunton Brewhouse. Other meetings are generally in the day and are organised around the diaries of those involved. We also aim for an annual 'away-day' to enable trustees time to reflect, plan and develop the organisation and themselves.
Please note that exceptional expenses are paid by prior agreement.
We aim to be in touch quickly both those who make a full application and those who prefer an informal initial discussion.
We believe creative and performing arts should be experienced by and accessible to all and our mission is to make this a reality for our community.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About us:
Write Back is a young charity helping marginalised young people develop their self-esteem, literacy and creativity through storytelling. Currently based in Barking & Dagenham, since 2020 we have run storytelling programmes for more than 200 young people, helping them tell their stories and printing and celebrating their work. 9 out of 10 participants on our programmes see significant improvements in their self-esteem, and in our short period of operations, we have published over 20 anthologies of young writers’ work, exploring themes like immigration, identity and social isolation.
What we do:
We run 10-week long storytelling programmes in Barking and Dagenham, east London, to build self-esteem among young people aged 13-16. In each session we do confidence building activities, engage with the writing of a young author and then develop the participating young people’s own stories. The 10-week project involves developing their ideas individually and collectively and culminates with the publication of their work, including in books, local museum exhibitions and much more.
We are working with six secondary schools in Barking and Dagenham, who have been referring young people to our programmes or inviting us into their premises to run bespoke programmes for selected students Barking and Dagenham is the 9th most deprived local authority in the country and 37% of the young people and children live in poverty. Despite this recent research shows that Barking and Dagenham has the joint fewest charities per head in the country.
About the role:
Write Back has grown considerably since its founding five years ago. Now with paid part-time staff, strong local networks, secure medium-term funding and proof of impact, we are entering a new phase of organisational growth.
To oversee this, we are looking for a new Chair of Trustees to oversee a significant period of strategic choices. We are looking for someone who wants to get closely involved in setting the strategy, direction and priorities of Write Back as we transition from new ‘start-up’ into a more established charity. As a small charity, the Chair will be someone who can think ‘big picture’ but also is happy to get involved with day-to-day matters when necessary - securing new funding, overseeing our staffing model, building networks with other organisations and more. We are therefore looking for an individual with:
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Experience of organisational governance (ideally experience being on a board of trustees before).
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Experience in a leadership role in a growing organisation (either teams/departments or the whole organisation).
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Strong fundraising and networking skills and experience.
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Knowledge and expertise of the charity sector.
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A strong commitment to the work of Write Back and empowering young people.
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The passion and enthusiasm to throw themselves into a new and exciting charity for young people to help us in our next phase of growth.
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The ability and experience of working at a strategic level, providing expert oversight, advice and guidance, but willing to get involved day-to-day where necessary.
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The skills and temperament to collaborate effectively in a small, growing organisation.
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A good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and an appreciation of the personal implications.
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A demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity.
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Experience in the education sector, or in legal, HR or other operational or governance matters, is a plus but not required.
Core requirements:
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This is a voluntary unpaid role, for which any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
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Your initial term will be for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.
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Attendance at trustee meetings every two months (either online or in person, for roughly 90 minutes), as well as preparation for these meetings and any follow-up tasks.
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Working with the Director and the Treasurer, overseeing all governance, financial and operational matters and reporting requirements as necessary.
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Fulfilling any or all other requirements for trustees as outlined by the Charity Commission.
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We estimate the time commitment to be no more than two days per month in total.
To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter outlining why you’d like to become Chair of Trustees of Write Back by 11pm, Sunday 15 February via the Charity Job portal.
At PSS, everything starts with people. We work alongside individuals, families and communities to create support shaped by real lives and real voices. Our mission is simple: to help create lives beyond limits, where everyone has choice, control and a genuine sense of belonging.
And we're looking for up to four new Trustees to join our brilliant Board as we move into an exciting new chapter. With a new Chief Executive, a fresh strategic plan for 2026–2030 and lots of ambition, now is a fantastic time to get involved.
Who we’re looking for
You don’t need previous board experience to apply. What matters most to us is who you are, what you care about and the perspective you bring.
We’d especially love to hear from people with experience in:
- Finance and audit
- Social care
- Commercial or market awareness
- Lived experience of services like ours
Above all, we’re looking for people who share our values – big-hearted, open-minded, genuine, professional and determined – and who believe in social justice, equity and inclusion.
What being a Trustee involves
As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the future of PSS by:
- Sitting on our Board and one of our sub-committees
- Helping guide our strategy and decision-making
- Making sure we’re safe, sustainable and true to our values
- Working in partnership with our teammates and the people we support
The time commitment is around one day a month, plus four Board meetings a year and two away days.
Why join us?
Being a Trustee at PSS is rewarding, meaningful and genuinely enjoyable. You’ll:
- Be part of a warm, supportive and values-led organisation
- Learn new skills and gain board-level experience
- Meet inspiring people from a wide range of backgrounds
- Do something you can be really proud of
Ready to find out more?
If this sounds like you (or someone you know), we’d love to hear from you.
Tall Roots is supporting us to recruit our new Trustees. Applications should be made via Tall Roots (click 'Redirect to Recruiter' to navigate to their website) and include a CV and covering letter that tells us why you want to join our Board and what you would want to bring to PSS as a Trustee.
The full candidate brief is available on Tall Roots' website, where you can you can also watch a short video to hear more about what it means to be part of PSS from some of the amazing people we support and our existing Trustees.
We appreciate that applications can feel daunting. If you’d find it useful to speak to Mark at Tall Roots about any aspect of the roles or the process ahead of applying, please reach out direct via Tall Roots' website – he will be more than happy to help. The closing date for applications is Friday 13 February 2026.
Come and help us shape a future where everyone belongs.

