Challenge events officer volunteer roles

The Co-operative College is undertaking a radical change in approach, transitioning into a charity that will leave society a lasting learning legacy, run a grants programme to advance co-operative education and work closely with partners to deliver our vision for a more co-operative world. 

As we embark on this journey, we are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board and Committees to help shape our future.  

We are recruiting for two Trustees (one of whom we hope will serve as Vice Chair) and up to two independent members for our Audit and Risk Committee. 

While our standard Trustee Job Description applies to all roles, we are looking for specific expertise to strengthen our board in the following areas: 

1. Vice Chair (Trustee Role) x1 

We are looking for an individual with experience in chairing, facilitation, or strategic leadership. As Vice Chair, you will act as a deputy to the Chair, working with them closely to support board effectiveness. This is an ideal role for someone looking to step into a senior governance leadership position. 

2. Trustee x1 

In addition to the Vice Chair, we are seeking a Trustee who brings professional strength in at least one of the below: 

• Finance and accounting 

• Charity governance 

• Grants and investment management 

3. Independent Audit and Risk Committee Members x2 

These are non-Trustee roles - we are looking specifically for independently minded finance professionals who will bring constructive challenge and fresh perspectives. We are looking for applicants with experience in at least one of the below: 

• Finance and accounting (qualified or part-qualified, highly desirable) 

• Grants management 

• Investment management 

As an educational charity, we believe in the power of learning. New appointees will be signposted to relevant training and will take part in our induction programme, so that they feel confident in contributing their unique skills and experiences. They will also have the opportunity of being appointed a buddy, who can support them as they begin their time with us.

Location: UK - Wide (meetings mainly in person, some virtual)
Contract Type: Volunteer
Term: 3 years (with potential renewal)
Campaign Closes:19th February 2026

Interviews: W/C 9th March & 16th March 2026 – Trustee/SLT interviews
                    W/C 16th March or 23th March 2026 – STARboard interviews
                  31st March 2026 (approximately) – Recommendation expected
                  6th May 2026 – Final Board approval

Join Our Board as a Trustee – Make-A-Wish UK
At Make‑A‑Wish UK, we create joy, hope and life‑changing moments for children facing critical illness. We are seeking an inspiring Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership, champion our mission and ensure strong governance as we work towards our vision: a wish for every eligible child.

Why join us?

• Shape the strategic direction of a national charity transforming the lives of children with critical illness.
• Lead a purpose‑driven, inclusive board, ensuring diverse voices including young people influence decision‑making.
• Use your experience where it matters most, providing governance, stewardship and support to an ambitious executive team.
• Be part of a deeply rewarding mission, helping ensure every eligible child can experience the power of a wish.

If you are ready to make a lasting impact and lead with purpose, we would love to hear from you. 

For the full recruitment pack, and to apply for this role, please visit our website.

Requirments 

Essential Criteria

• Leadership Experience: Demonstrable experience of chairing boards, committees, or senior leadership teams, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.
• Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity governance, legal responsibilities of Trustees, and regulatory environment in the UK.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to drive organisational strategies and build commitment to a collective vision.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to facilitate balanced discussions and consensus.
• Commitment to Diversity: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s work.
• Passion for Mission: a deep commitment to Make-A-Wish UK’s vision, values and behaviours.
• Integrity: Highest standards of integrity, probity, and professionalism

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of leading transformational change to significantly increase reach and scale in operations
• Strong personal networks that can benefit the charity
• Understanding of the challenges facing children with critical illnesses and their families

Personal Attributes 

• A child focused approach always
• A consultative, inclusive, and collaborative style of leadership with the ability to listen and engage effectively 
• Strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities, including empathy and sensitivity, especially when interacting with wish families and children
• Sound judgement and decision-making ability.
• Ability to commit time to the role, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Eligibility
The successful candidate must be eligible to act as a Trustee under UK charity law and willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Governance: Provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance practices and compliance with statutory responsibilities.
• Board Meetings: Chair Board meetings, ensuring clear agendas, productive discussions, and timely decision-making.
• Strategic Direction: Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Trustees to set and review the charity’s strategic objectives and performance.
• Support and Supervision: Provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive, undertaking annual appraisals and ensuring their continued development as an effective leader.
• Board Development: Lead on Trustee recruitment, induction, and ongoing development, reviewing board effectiveness and taking actions for continuous improvement
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all the charity’s activities and ensuring that diverse voices, including those of young people and lived experience, are heard by the Board.
• Risk and Compliance: Oversee the charity’s risk management, ensuring that policies and procedures are robust and regularly reviewed.
• Financial Oversight: Ensure the Board fulfils its duties regarding financial stewardship, budgeting, and monitoring performance against objectives
• Advocacy: Champion the charity’s values and mission, advocating for Make-A-Wish UK within the sector and the wider community. Represent Make-A-Wish UK externally, fostering relationships with stakeholders, donors, and partners.

The Cathedral Safeguarding Committee acts as ‘critical friend’ and provides constructive challenge to the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Its role is to support Chapter in meeting their safeguarding obligations for the Cathedral and its activities, including safer recruitment, and to provide assurance to Chapter that the Cathedral’s safeguarding arrangements are fit for purpose.

The duties and responsibilities of the Safeguarding Committee are laid down in the Safeguarding Committee Terms of Reference.

Responsibilities

• to provide independent perspectives on safeguarding policy and practice at Worcester Cathedral.
• to work with the chair and Cathedral staff to ensure that the Cathedral’s safeguarding functions are being carried out effectively.
• to offer support and challenge to executive members of the committee to ensure the centrality of a robust safeguarding culture in the Cathedral’s mission and its operations.
• to take a full part in Safeguarding Committee meetings and in agreeing and monitoring of strategic and operational plans to ensure effective performance and achievement of national standards.

Commitment 

Meetings: The Safeguarding Committee meets formally 4 times per year (usually during the daytime, although times may vary). The duration of meetings is a maximum of two hours.

Papers are received in advance and all members of the Safeguarding Committee are expected to have read the papers and be prepared to contribute as needed to discussion.

Expenses can be claimed for attendance at meetings or carrying out functions on behalf of the Committee.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

1. Recent, direct and extensive professional safeguarding experience and expertise at a senior level in a relevant statutory, voluntary or judicial agency (for example Local Authority Children and Adult Service, Police, National Children’s Charity).
2. A willingness to promote and represent as needed the work of the Safeguarding Committee in the Cathedral and outside.

Desirable

1. Experience of child or adult safeguarding in a church / faith context.
2. Experience of case reviews, risk management and engagement and leadership of strategic partnerships.

Skills, competencies and abilities

Essential

1. Experience of analysing complex situations and advising appropriately.
2. Experience of working constructively with a wide range of parties, including staff in the statutory and voluntary sectors.
3. Experience of dealing sensitively and appropriately with confidential information.

Personal Qualities

Essential

1. A strong commitment to safeguarding as an essential part of the Cathedral’s work.
2. To be supportive of the mission and ministry of the Church of England and the vision and values of Worcester Cathedral. This does not mean that attendance at or membership of any Church of England worshipping community is required.

Candidates need not meet all of the person specification criteria to apply. However, there is an expectation that all candidates will be able to demonstrate suitable knowledge and experience

We have an exciting opportunity for a new Treasurer to join our board.

As Treasurer, you will work alongside our Finance Manager, the finance sub-committee and our trustee board to oversee the financial strategy and risk management processes of our organisation, to ensure its financial viability and legal compliance. To apply, you must have some financial qualifications (or relevant experience) and have some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes.

Working with the Finance Manager, finance sub-committee (including the CEO) and trustee board, the Treasurer will oversee the financial strategy and risk management processes of the organisation, to ensure its financial viability and legal compliance.

We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds and are looking for strategic thinkers with a commitment to good governance and a willingness to work collaboratively and challenge constructively. 

We are committed to being an inclusive workplace and we value diversity - we welcome and encourage applications from all walks of life, whatever your background or situation.

This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence the direction of our charity, making a real difference. You will work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues and use your experience to create positive change for thousands of people in the Winchester district every year.

Citizens Advice Winchester District provides free advice to over 5,000 local people each year, many of whom are in desperate and extremely challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Become a Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people 

With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Trustee. 

For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and the National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year. 

Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education. 

Role Snapshot 

• Shape Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitor performance 
• Ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document 
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity 
• Oversee effective use of resources and long-term sustainability 
• Support and advise the CEO, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives 
• Act as an ambassador, promoting Young Citizens and building relationships with partners, funders, and supporters 

Why join as a Young Citizens Trustee? 

Being a Young Citizens trustee is a strategic and deeply rewarding opportunity. You will: 

• Help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education and democracy 
• Collaborate with fellow trustees bringing expertise in education, law, finance, communications, governance, and public affairs 
• See our impact first-hand by attending key events such as programme launches and the National Finals of our competitions 
• Support a small but highly skilled staff team (around 13 colleagues across the UK) and a network of 1500+ professional volunteers 
• Contribute to decisions on resource investment, digital development, programme growth, and deepening impact 

In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society. 

What We Are Looking For 

We’re seeking two trustees who can help Young Citizens expand our reach, influence, and financial resilience. You don’t need prior trustee experience, we provide a full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support.

We’re especially interested in those with expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Citizenship teaching or school leadership – understanding how schools work and how to embed civic learning and active citizenship across the curriculum. 
• Marketing, communications and influencing – building brands, running campaigns, shifting perceptions and engaging educators, young people and supporters. 
• Business growth, strategic partnerships and business development – scaling organisations, securing strategic partnerships and growing mission-aligned income streams. 
• Digital transformation or innovation – using digital tools, products or platforms to grow impact. 
• Fundraising and income generation – philanthropy, trusts and foundations, corporate fundraising or individual giving. 

We continue to welcome applications from those experienced in leadership, public service, law, finance, policy or youth engagement.

If you’re ready to help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education, influence strategy and strengthen UK democracy through education, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Requirements 

The role requires around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings. Trustees attend four board meetings a year at our St Paul's office (usually weekday evenings), monthly online finance updates, and an annual Away Day. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential renewal. While day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and senior team, trustees hold ultimate responsibility for governance and compliance.

To learn more about the role and the application process, please refer to the job pack for full details. 

The role

Are you passionate about the work of Methodist schools and a strong advocate for them?

We are seeking an inspiring Chair for the Methodist Schools Committee, someone who can offer strategic direction, nurture relationships, and support the Methodist schools at a pivotal time. 

About you

We are looking for someone who:

· Is a member of the Methodist Church in Britain.

· Has a strong understanding of, and the ability to articulate and communicate, a Methodist vision and ethos for education.

· Has a strong grasp of the range of Methodist schools and their role within the life of The Methodist Church.

· Has proven ability to offer effective strategic direction and oversight, balancing support and constructive challenge

· Is relational and collaborative, with an ability to bring different stakeholders together to work in a common cause;

This post carries an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a Christian (in accordance with the Equality Act 2010).

Duration

An initial three‑year term, with the possibility of extension for another term, up to six years in total.

Time Commitment

Normally four MSC meetings per year, with occasional attendance at Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST) and Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST) committee meetings and the Connexional Council.

The Chair typically liaises with the Director of Methodist State Schools, members of the Senior Management Group of the Connexional Team, Trustees, and key partners.

If you have questions about the role or require reasonable adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please email HR Team.

Closing date: 16 February 2026

Shortlisting date (updated): 26 February 2026

Interview date (updated): 13 March 2026 (in person interview)

Greater Manchester Moving is a leading Greater Manchester charity which exists to change lives through movement, physical activity and sport. This drives everything that we do and motivates every single person engaged with our organisation.

We lead, support and connect people and partners across our brilliant city-region to enable Active Lives for All, uniting communities and creating more equal and inclusive places so that people can lead happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives.

Nationally, we are one of 42 Active Partnerships. Together, we work to create the conditions for an active nation. We work closely with Sport England to support the local implementation of the Uniting the Movement Strategy.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional leader to serve as Chair of our Board. The successful candidate will provide inclusive, values-led leadership and strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of governance and financial oversight, and drive the growth of the charity’s value and impact.

As an ambassador and advocate, the Chair will champion the transformative benefits of movement, physical activity, and sport, foster strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, and promote equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The role requires a commitment to nurturing an already high-performing Board, modelling integrity and accountability, and ensuring the charity operates in line with its values, regulatory responsibilities, and the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles).

The Chair will work in close partnership with the Chief Executive, offering support, providing constructive challenge, and holding the executive leadership to account in delivering the charity’s objectives.

We are an organisation guided by our core values of passion, integrity, and purpose. We acknowledge and champion the advantages of a diverse and inclusive Board, and view enhancing diversity and inclusivity at the Board level as a vital factor in achieving our goals and objectives.

As an organisation we believe we should be reflective of the people within our communities and as such we encourage applications from underrepresented groups who can strengthen our already talented and committed Board.

If you are seeking a role that is inspirational, developmental and one which can make a difference to the lives of people in Greater Manchester, then we would love to hear from you.

The recruitment pack (which includes the role profile and person specification), application form and equal opportunities monitoring form are available to download from our website.

We are looking for someone keen to move into the area of advising small charities on management and governance issues and working with them on other services we provide.

We are a very ambitious local grant-making charity that also offers various training, support and consultancy services to small charities and community groups in West London. Our broad-ranging plans are now beginning to bear fruit and so we need volunteers to help us in the following areas as demand for our services continues to grow:

· Supporting small groups and start-ups with basic governance and management issues

· Facilitating coordination between groups including organising events linking those with common interests

· Monitoring our grant holders and assessing the impact of our services on groups

· Outreach to new groups

· General admin support

· Possibly helping out with grant application assessments when needed

Our ideal candidates would have a good all-round management or professional background gained over a number of years, but they need not be experienced in the areas mentioned above. You'd be given full training, with the opportunity to shadow the people already working in these areas. Far more important is adaptability, initiative, an ability to get on well with people from all sorts of backgrounds, and good organisational and writing skills. Most crucially you would have a demonstrable commitment to our ideals of promoting a strong and influential civil society in West London. You will thrive on challenges and find rewards in seeing our objectives achieved.

You would ideally be able to commit an average of 1 day a week and the work would involve dealing with our clients during office hours, so you will probably be someone who is working part-time, or is perhaps retired or semi-retired, or is otherwise not in full-time employment. We would also be prepared to consider applicants only able to commit a few hours a week for some of the duties mentioned above.

Much of the work would be taking place from home, but it will also involve some face to face contact with clients, so living in or around the Ealing, Hounslow or Hillingdon boroughs would be a definite advantage.

All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and refreshments provided where suitable.

Do you have experience in digital and social media? Can you help us improve our communications and raise the profile of the work we do?

We are seeking an expert, creative Volunteer Digital and Social Media Lead. You will help us promote our programmes supporting people in prison and young people at risk of entering the justice system, as well as our Community Bike Shop, which funds and strengthens this work.

What you’ll do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our audience.

• Develop strategies for viral campaigns and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team.

• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.

• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva.

• Update our website as required and make suggestions for improvements.

• Work with our expert Trustee to consider how we can use online retail platforms to sell our refurbished bikes.

What we’ll provide:

· Creative freedom within agreed priorities and tone of voice.

· Access to the right tools plus shared photos, stories and impact stats.

· A named contact, light-touch sign-off, and occasional check-ins to remove blockers.

Time commitment: we’ll agree a realistic scope with the right volunteer based on their availability.

Reasonable agreed expenses will be paid.

Thank you

Mark Flannagan
Chief Executive

About us

UpCycle, works with individuals in prisons and young people at risk in marginalised communities.  We use bicycle maintenance workshops to help build life skills, enhance employability, prevent offending and reoffending, and foster social reintegration.  We also offer lead rides, bike fit-it sessions and other ways to engage with vulnerable people.

In prisons

· We delivered 956 un-refurbished bikes and received back 768 refurbished bikes across eight prisons and one Young Offenders Institution, training over 238 individuals.

In the Community

· Over 1034 bikes were donated to our Community Bike Shop, of those we refurbished and distributed more than 612 to underserved communities locally and overseas.

· Workshops in Bradford engaged 361 participants in diverse cycling-related activities across the area.

· "Bike to the Future" and other initiatives reached 220 young people with more complex needs.

Make a difference – become a school governor

You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.

Bath Area Play Project are passionate about every child's right to play and enabling children to thrive. We are looking for a Chair of our small Trustee Board to support our vision and ethos, enabling the continuation of our support services for children and families, leading strategic oversight and ensuring we are resilient for change.

Our volunteer Trustees meet early evening, every 6 - 8 weeks, alternating in person in Bath and online. They are responsible for ensuring we are compliant with operational management delegated to the Director and other staff, allowing them to focus on governance and strategic decision making. Trustees support the staff to be the most effective they can be in their various roles through good knowledge and understanding of regulatory and legal frameworks.

Perhaps you have or are involved at a senior level in a Charity, have skills such as Marketing, Business or Early Years which can be used to help BAPP develop services for children and families.

BAPP provide a range of services including an Ofsted registered Nursery & Pre-school, Ofsted registered Holiday Playschemes for disabled children and those with additional needs, Children & Family Support, Alternative Provision for children with SEND and our long standing Community based Family Playdays. More information is available on our website  

As we work with vulnerable children, Trustees are required to have an Enhanced DBS and to register as one of our Trustees as part of our Ofsted registration. There are 8 Trustee Meetings each year, alternating in person in Bath and online which includes our AGM. Other commitments in addition can include attending events, representing BAPP, supporting with recruitment/staffing and policy review. 

For further information or if you have any questions, please get in touch.

The Chapter constitutes the board of charity trustees of Worcester Cathedral (registered charity: 1207427). The Chapter comprises members who are lay and ordained, executive and non-executive as set out in the Cathedral’s Constitution. The non-executive members provide constructive challenge, input and support to the Cathedral’s strategic direction and operational implementation.

Commitment

Meetings: The Chapter currently meets formally 8 times per year (including two away days), usually for four hours on a weekday morning. Papers are received in advance and all members of the Chapter are expected to have read papers and be prepared to contribute as needed to discussion.

The Chapter does not normally meet in August. Expenses can be claimed for attendance at meetings or carrying out functions on behalf of the Chapter. Non-executive members of the Chapter will serve as lay canons of the Cathedral (or honorary canons if ordained), having the right to the title of ‘Canon’ and of being assigned a stall in the Cathedral’s 14th Quire. Non-executive members of the Chapter are required to adhere to the Chapter Member / Trustee Code of Conduct

Responsibilities of the Chapter:

A non-executive member of the Chapter shall take a full part in the discussions and decision-making of the Chapter as it fulfils its statutory responsibilities:

• to order the worship and promote the mission of the Cathedral;
• to formulate proposals in connection with the strategic direction and mission of the Cathedral;
• to manage all property vested in the Cathedral and the income accruing from it;
• to ensure that necessary repairs and maintenance of the Cathedral and its contents and other buildings and monuments are carried out;
• to attend to all matters concerning the appointment of staff to the Cathedral;
• ​to prepare an annual budget for the Cathedral;
• to prepare an annual report and accounts;
• to keep under review the Constitution and Statutes of the Cathedral;
• to ensure legal and regulatory compliance;
• to meet safeguarding requirements and ensure best practice; 
• to exercise the power if necessary to provide for the incorporation of limited companies for the better management of the Cathedral.

Contributing to the Cathedral's Life, Worship and Mission:

A non-executive member of the Chapter shall contribute the skills and experience they bring to the Cathedral as opportunity allows, for example:

• by serving on such incorporated limited companies as the Chapter may establish, on sub-committees of the Chapter and on any working groups of the Chapter as may be created;
• by attending and contributing to worship at the Cathedral;
• by contributing to the ministry of hospitality offered at the Cathedral and to such other Cathedral activity as may be appropriate;
• by acting as an advocate for the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral within and beyond the Church of England, across the city, the Deanery and the Diocese of Worcester and the wider region;
• by serving as a Canon of the Cathedral, being seen and present as such, as may be appropriate; 
• by providing critical friendship and constructive challenge to Chapter colleagues, the Chief Officers and the wider Senior Executive Team.

In general:

• to ensure their own compliance with the Chapter’s policies and procedures, and contribute to the review and development of policy and practice;
• to promote and uphold the Cathedral’s reputation and good standing at all times.

Person specification

Essential

1. Communicant member of the Church of England (within the meaning given in Rule 83(2) of the Church Representation Rules), or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity
2. Committed to the Cathedral’s Christian vision, values, mission and ministry.
3. Able to carry out legal duties as set out in the Charity Commission’s ‘CC3 - The Essential Trustee’ and make decisions in accordance with the guidance provided in ‘CC27 – Decision-making for charity trustees’.
4. Willing to follow the Chapter’s Code of Conduct and to uphold all of the Chapter’s safeguarding responsibilities.
5. Willing to complete appropriate safeguarding training and DBS checking.
6. Demonstrable strategic leadership and governance skills; previous experience volunteering as a trustee is welcome but not essential.
7. Willingness to attend to professional personal development including undertaking training.
8. Able to commit a minimum of eight hours a month to attending Chapter meetings (or other business on behalf of the Chapter) including preparation for meetings.

Desirable

1. A professional background or significant experience of working in one (or more) of the following areas:
   •  strategic human resources management
   • property management / development
   • strategic planning

ELIGIBILITY

The Chapter members must be eligible to be trustees under the Charities Act. The Chapter members may not act as a trustee if they are disqualified unless authorised to do so by a waiver from the Commission. The reasons for disqualification, issued by the Commission include:

• being bankrupt or having an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA);
• having an unspent conviction for certain offences;
• being on the Sex Offenders Register

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:

• 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

• Experience of, or a desire to, engage with inclusive working practices 

• Participatory arts practitioners

• Environmental responsibility

• Digital and social media

• Marketing and PR

• Understanding of publicly funded arts at a strategic level

Key Accountabilities of a Trustee are to:

• Act as ambassadors, champions and advocates for the organisation

• Approve strategic plans, budgets, annual accounts and policies

• Be willing to contribute your time and share your knowledge

• Provide advice and support for the Executive team

• Sit on committees and panels as required

• Engage in the fundraising strategy and development activities wherever possible

• Attend performances and other events by Spare Tyre and peer companies

• Understand the commitment required to join the Board

• 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:

• Promote and model Spare Tyre’s culture of inclusion, openness and collaboration

• Monitor and evaluate progress against targets and ACE Investment Principles

• Be passionate about the company’s work

• Be ready to challenge and provoke

• Be excited to promote an inclusive culture 

We are looking for one Trustee & Deputy Chair to join our Charity Trustee Board to support the Union through its next steps. A strong and active Board is crucial for us as we develop and implement our strategy, face challenges, maximise opportunities and endeavour to create an even better Union; one that continues to be flexible and agile enough to react quickly to the changing needs and interests of our student members and achieve our vision.

The Person

The right candidate will thrive in a student led, highly responsive environment and have an enthusiasm for supporting and guiding a student organisation. They will command confidence, have sound judgement and strong communication and leadership skills. We are looking for a trustee with the following skills/experience

Finance Experience: 

• Preferably financial experience from a charity outside of the SU sector
• Understanding of financial oversight
• Ability to interpret financial information to support strategic decision-making
• Awareness of charity finance and regulatory requirements

Chairing Experience: 

• Ability to deputise for the Chair, and chair meetings of the Board
• Ability to build a strong and effective working relationship with the Board of Trustees Chair
• Ability to foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
• Assist and support the Chair in providing leadership to the Board, through the governance arrangements, and also acting as a ‘sounding board’ and confidante to the Chair in the execution of their role

Due to the current make-up of our Trustee Board, we are not actively searching for candidates with skills, knowledge and experience related to the Student Union and HE sector and we would welcome candidates from other sectors or regions to apply. That said, we would very much like to encourage anyone who feels that they could bring something to our Board to apply, regardless of experience - our purpose and values also lead us to welcome first time Trustees too!

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our Trustee Board to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Further Information

Application is via a comprehensive CV plus a supporting statement (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing why you are applying for the position and what requirements you meet to carry out the role