Charity researcher volunteer roles

Help us keep our food charity running smoothly. Are you organised, reliable and interested in gaining practical experience in the charity sector?

We're looking for a Volunteer Administrative Support Assistant to join our team for ideally a 6-month placement. This is a great opportunity to develop your administrative and organisational skills while supporting a charity working to reduce food waste, tackle food poverty and support our local community. You don't need extensive administrative experience. We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, willing to learn and keen to contribute to a meaningful organisation. As Volunteer Administrative Support Intern, you'll provide essential support across the charity's day-to-day operations. 

The role is remote with the opportunity to come into our Brixton office. You will work closely with charity staff to collaborate with other organisations and prepare for upcoming projects in 2027. We are looking for someone to work 9 to 5 hours for 2-3 days a week.

Who we are:

Founded in 2018, Compliments of The House (CoTH) began by collecting surplus cooked food from Brixton Village and surrounding areas, and redistributing it free to people in need. From our local hubs we served our guests, and also ran our ‘Back to Work’ and ‘Care Leaver’ schemes. 

During the COVID-19 lockdown, we could not host our guests in our hub. So we launched a temporary grocery delivery scheme supported by local council school buses, which gained recognition from the Prime Minister due to its impact. 

Since then, we have found a new venture to channel our commitments to reducing the environmental impact within hospitality whilst nourishing people through food. We are so lucky to have many vibrant and diverse festivals locally and across the UK, which produce a whopping 400 tonnes in food waste every year! We’re taking on the challenge to reduce that waste and use it to nourish those in need. 

We’re looking for someone:

• Comfortable with emails and Google Drive or Microsoft programmes

• Who has an understanding of GDPR, able to maintain confidentiality in line with data protection

• Happy to pitch in on varied tasks and projects

• With excellent written communication skills, basic numeracy and computer skills

• Organised and reliable, someone who can manage their own work and time

• Passionate about sustainability, reducing food waste or supporting communities

• Eager to learn and contribute new ideas

Responsibilities:

• General administrative duties, e.g. data entry, managing emails and Google Drive documents/ records, updating spreadsheets and organisational records 

• Handling sensitive information such as personal data and charity finances (receipts, funding etc.)

• Supporting organising for our campaigns, sourcing equipment, recruiting volunteers

• Adapting, editing, drafting, updating and designing materials/literature

• Research background material for projects 

• Take part in meetings with external organisations involved in our projects and taking meeting minutes

What You'll Gain

• Experience with administration and communications for a growing charity

• Experience in events planning and recruiting/ organising volunteers

• Training, support and regular feedback

• Strong understanding of what is involved in organising and running charity operations

• A professional reference on successful completion of the placement

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference by helping reduce food waste and improve access to nutritious food

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming organisation. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. 

How to Apply

Please send us:

• Your CV

• A short statement (up to 300 words) explaining why you'd like to volunteer with us and what you hope to gain from the placement 

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

As we move forward with our new strategic vision and plan, Lively Minds is refreshing its board and we are looking for a Trustee to help shape this next chapter with us.

We work with governments and communities across sub-Saharan Africa to deliver low-cost, high-impact early childhood development programmes. Since the beginning of 2026, we have successfully expanded into multiple new countries, where we work very closely with governments via our Technical Assistance programme. As we continue to grow, by working with other new countries, we want a board that reflects the breadth of skills that this growth demands. At this stage we are therefore particularly keen to hear from people with governance and compliance experience, though we welcome interest from anyone who shares our belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive in their earliest years.

By joining our refreshed board, this is a chance to leverage your experience and expertise to help steward an award winning organisation with an exciting growth agenda. As part of our board, you will work alongside an ambitious and fast-paced executive team who are passionate about the difference we can, and have, already made. 

If this sounds like an opportunity that you, or someone in your network, would relish, then we would love to hear from you.

Please read further for more information 

‍Role Overview

Help build the governance foundations for early childhood development at scale

Over 250 million children under five across the Global South miss out on the care, play and stimulation they need during the most important years of their lives. Governments increasingly recognise the importance of early childhood development, but many struggle to find approaches that are affordable, scalable and sustainable.

Lively Minds believes the solution is hiding in plain sight: parents.

For almost twenty years we have worked alongside governments and communities to develop and test a parent-powered approach that enables families -regardless of their income or level of education - to give children the best possible start in life. We have shown that this approach can be successfully integrated into government systems and delivered at scale. In Ghana alone, our model has been adopted nationally, reaching more than 700,000 children and supporting over 130,000 parents. Independent research found participating children made developmental gains equivalent to an additional year of schooling.

Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now entering an exciting new phase.

Rather than operating as a traditional program delivery organisation, Lively Minds has evolved into a specialist technical assistance partner. We work alongside governments to design, test, and scale parent-powered early childhood development within national education systems - building the capability, evidence, and implementation approaches that enable governments to lead sustainable, long-term change.

Today we support governments in Ghana, Uganda,Ethiopia and The Gambia, with partnerships in development in Togo and Senegal. Our ambition is to help many more governments transform early childhood development over the coming decade.

We realise that our strategy requires an organisation that is not only ambitious and effective but also well-governed. We are looking for a governance trustee who can help ensure we have the structures, standards, and accountability needed to operate with confidence at scale

The Opportunity

This is not a traditional governance trustee role

Lively Minds is at an important strategic inflection point. As we expand our technical assistance model across multiple countries, we are asking new questions about scale, innovative partnerships, and operating with complexity and uncertainty.

We are looking for someone who enjoys helping ambitious organisations navigate those questions.

Lively Minds has recently undertaken a significant governance reset, developing a new governance framework, decision-making and delegation policy, committee structures and trustee role expectations. We are now looking for a governance trustee to help embed and champion that work, ensuring it translates into practice and evolves as the organisation grows.

As Governance Trustee, you will bring expertise, independent judgement and constructive challenge to the Board on governance matters. You will act as a trusted sounding board for the Chair and CEO, help the Board meet its legal and regulatory obligations, and ensure that the processes and structures that underpin good governance are understood, followed and kept current.

You will join a board that believes its role is to help the organisation realise its potential. That means asking difficult questions, opening doors, sharing expertise, encouraging innovation and supporting the executive team to succeed - while respecting the principle that the Board governs and management manages.

Key Responsibilities

As Governance Trustee you will help the Board to

Champion good governance

• Champion good governance practice across the Board, ensuring it is meeting its legal and regulatory obligations
• Ensure the Board Governance Framework, Code of Conduct and committee Terms of Reference are understood, followed and kept current 
• Act as a sounding board for the CEO and Chair on governance questions and emerging governance and legal risks

Strengthen board effectiveness

• Lead or support the annual board performance review process
• Support trustee recruitment, induction and tenure processes, including the skills audit and succession planning
• Help ensure the Board has the right composition, culture and working practices to govern effectively

Oversee complaints and dispute resolution

• Oversee the Complaints, Disputes and Escalation Policy, ensuring it is fit for purpose and followed when triggered
• Provide independent governance oversight when complaints or disputes are activated

Contribute as a Trustee

Like all trustees, you will contribute to the overall leadership and governance of Lively Minds, participating fully in Board discussions on strategy, organizational performance, risk, people, and governance. We also expect trustees to champion the organisation actively - using their networks, credibility and relationships to open doors, support fundraising, strengthen partnerships and increase Lively Minds' visibility in the spaces where it matters most. The Board governs rigorously and champions energetically; we are looking for trustees who are ready to do both.

‍

Candidate Profile

Who we are looking for

We're looking for someone who combines deep governance expertise with practical judgement and a commitment to our mission.

You will probably have:

• strong knowledge of charity governance and UK Charity Commission requirements
• experience as a senior governance professional or senior lawyer
• familiarity with board effectiveness, trustee duties and regulatory compliance
• the confidence to provide constructive challenge while building positive relationships
• an understanding of the respective roles of trustees and management
• the ability to translate governance principles into practical, proportionate action

Desirable Experience

Experience in one or more of the following would be particularly valuable:

•  supporting governance reform or board development in a scaling organisation
•  international development or cross-jurisdictional governance environments
• complaints handling, dispute resolution or employment law
• trustee recruitment and board succession planning

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is excited by our mission and motivated by the opportunity to help build an organisation capable of transforming early childhood development at scale.

Time commitment

The expected commitment is approximately one to two days per month.

This includes:

• four Board meetings each year
•  preparation for meetings, including reviewing governance compliance ahead of each meeting
• the annual board performance review process
• annual review and update of governance documents
• occasional availability as a sounding board for the Chair and CEO on governance questions and emerging risks
• oversight of complaints or dispute resolution processes when triggered

Meetings are primarily held remotely, with occasional in-person meetings.

The role is voluntary and unpaid, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We believe stronger boards are built through diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived or professional experience in the countries and regions where we work, and from groups currently underrepresented on charity boards.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible and will make reasonable adjustments wherever needed

Application Instruction

If you are motivated by using your governance expertise to help governments transform the lives of millions of children, we would love to hear from you.

 Please send:

• Your CV (or short professional biography)
• A covering letter explaining why you are interested in joining the Board of Lively Minds and what you would bring to the role.

Timeline:

Closing Date: 5th September 2026

We are looking for lived experienced volunteers who use screen readers and would be happy to share their experiences of accessing Welsh digital information and services in Wales.

You will share your personal experiences of using a screen reader to access Welsh digital information and services, show how accessibility features work in real life and what changes make a real difference.

You will share your experiences and talk openly in group discussions and have the confidence to raise issues and a willingness to speak up about concerns or gaps in services. You will also contribute and collaborate with project staff and external stakeholders (researchers and decision makers) to shape future Welsh language technology developments helping to create more accessible Welsh language digital services.

How often will I be needed?

• 2 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• Aged over 18

Location

Region

• Wales

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• Meetings will take place virtually, but there may be an opportunity to join a face to face session depending on needs of the project.

Who this opportunity will suit

• This role is reserved for blind and partially sighted applicants

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Screen reader user
• • Welsh Speaker (first language or learner)
• • Will have good active listening skills to engage respectfully and sensitively with others’ experiences and perspectives
• • Will be able to work collaboratively and constructively with other group members, stakeholders and staff
• • Ability to reflect on personal experiences.

Transport for All is looking to appoint up to six new Trustees, including a Treasurer, to help guide our work.

We are the UK’s leading Disabled People’s Organisation working on travel and accessible transport. We are led by and for disabled people, and have a proud history of influencing policy and advocating for change so disabled people have the freedom to make the journeys we want.

As a Trustee, your professional skills and expertise will influence our governance and support our team to reach our goal of transport justice for all.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, and are looking for people who can bring skills and experience in areas including finance, law, HR, communications, transport, government and consultancy.

Please download our trustee recruitment pack for information on the role and how to apply.

Join FARA, a charity with over 30 years of experience and 39 charity shops across London. Our FARA East Sheen shop is looking for a dedicated Antiques and Jewellery Volunteer to support our team in researching, valuing, and preparing donated items for sale.

By volunteering with us, you’ll play an important role in uncovering hidden gems, enhancing the customer experience, and supporting our commitment to reuse and a sustainable circular economy.

The Role:

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Researching and valuing donated antiques, jewellery, and collectables
• Identifying rare, collectable, or high-value items
• Pricing and organising items appropriately for sale
• Ensuring items are clearly presented with accurate information
• Creating attractive and engaging displays
• Greeting and assisting customers
• Assisting with till operations when required

The Volunteer:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for jewellery, antiques, or decorative objects
• Has a good eye for detail
• Is friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic
• Is reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Knowledge of brands, materials, or collectable items is a plus, but not essential

What’s in it for You?

At FARA, our shops are run by welcoming and collaborative teams where everyone works together. You’ll gain valuable experience, working alongside supportive colleagues who help each other develop, learn, and celebrate achievements. Full training is provided, and we offer a positive, inclusive, and safe volunteering environment.

Your Time:

Our shop operates from 09:30 to 17:30, and we’re looking for someone who can volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours either in the morning or afternoon, whenever you are available in arrangement with the shop manager.

FARA is committed to creating an inclusive environment. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

This is an ideal opportunity for anybody keen to get first-hand experience of the inspiring and exciting small charitable and community sector in London.

In the first instance, you will be working with our grants manager, appraising grant applications, visiting applicants and preparing reports on applicant suitability for consideration by the board, including a recommendation as to whether to make the grant or not. This is your opportunity to get to grips with the thriving community sectors in Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon and it is your judgement which will determine who is to receive funds.

Full training will be given and you will be able to shadow our grants manager in her work until you feel comfortable enough to take on your own cases.

As the role develops, you may, if you choose, get involved in our advice-giving, training and research activities. We are a fast-growing charity with ambitious plans, so this is your chance to get involved in our exciting activities right from the start.

The role would ideally suit someone who works part-time as during certain periods of the year (our grant rounds), you will be working 1-2 days a week.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Choice International is a non-profit organisation promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK and overseas. It researches, develops and implements development projects for disabled people and other disadvantaged people in the UK and overseas.

We are seeking a Fundraising Volunteer to support with writing funding proposals, completing funding applications to trusts and foundations as well as contacting corporates for sponsorship for events and one-off projects. You will work form our office based in East London to support with raising funds for our events and organisation in the long term.

Your Key responsibilities will include:

- Assisting with researching and approaching corporate entities, national and international, for event sponsorships, partnerships, Charity of the Year partnerships, and donations from corporate foundations

- Assisting with writing and delivering compelling presentations and proposals for funding to trusts, foundations and other institutes

- Writing emails and speaking with potential partners over the phone about the work of Choice with the aim of securing funds for the organisation.

You will have the following skills and experience:

- A good level of  written and oral communication

- Experience of writing funding proposals and working in fundraising would be an advantage

- Knowledge of corporate fundraising techniques including Charity of the Year, sponsorship, donations, marketing would be an advantage

- An ability to present and engage potential partners/sponsors in a compelling way

We are seeking a motivated and talented volunteer to support us in this role.

Working in a small team, you will be supporting Choice Directors, and will have responsibility for corporate, major donor and other fundraising. You will get involved with some of the largest grant funders in the UK, including the Big Lottery, Comic Relief, London Council and others.

The ideal candidate must have good written communication skills, with experience of writing funding proposals, as well as being motivated to develop a career in fundraising for a good cause.

Further, you should be able to work under your own initiative. We provide a wide array of training, development and guidance for our volunteers. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to support development projects to improve the quality of life of marginalised people.If you are passionate about equality, diversity and international development and keen to gain valuable, hands-on experience, then we would like to hear from you.Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid position, with a possibility of contributing to the cost of travel from your home to our office.

Please note due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all applicants, hence only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

 What we need from you

You’ll be:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Help cats in the Inverness and Nairn areas!

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

It is a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

o Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

Vision Action is a unique organisation that works in low- and middle-income countries, supporting national governments to deliver and strengthen their eye health strategies. We work in partnership with local governments, civil society organisations, international and national NGOs, and the private sector. Our ambition is to increase equitable access to eye care services and glasses and accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.

The role of the board is to oversee the overall direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its constitution. The board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team. The board must always act in the best interests of Vision Action, taking decisions as a group and not as individuals.

Terms of service

For Vision Action the trustees are members who have been elected to serve on the board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years.  Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the trustees are its legal directors. The trustee role is voluntary, although relevant expenses incurred in the course of fulfilling trustee responsibilities are reimbursable in line with organisational policy.

Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action board of trustees annually at the board meeting following the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The time commitment involved in being a trustee includes attendance at four board meetings per year, one of which is an all-day strategy session. Board meetings are typically held for half a day on a weekday afternoon, with at least half the meetings taking place online.  Board papers are circulated in advance for review and preparation.

In addition, trustees are expected to attend the AGM, which is usually held on a weekend, as well as occasional members’ forums or other Vision Action events, which are often arranged alongside board meetings in the evening. Trustees may also be asked to participate in ad hoc meetings or online discussions relating to specific topics. Sub-committee meetings are also held in advance of board meetings, and trustees are also expected to participate in one or more of these groups depending on their expertise and responsibilities. Trustees will also be expected to commit time to undertake a full induction process.

Main tasks

Charity trustees have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Programmes and Research; Fundraising and Finance).  The committees meet (in person or remotely) at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings. 

General responsibilities

• Ensure th[JT1] at Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its constitution[JT2]  and byelaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and values of Vision Action and maintain good relations with its members.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on harassment and misconduct, safeguarding, recruitment of ex-offenders, and anti- bribery).
• Strive for Vision Action to reflect the full diversity of society in all its activities.
• Ensure the financial stability of Vision Action.
• Protect and manage the property of Vision Action and ensure the proper investment of its funds.
• Appoint and support key leadership and monitor their performance.

In addition to the above statutory responsibilities, each trustee should attend board meetings and use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board reach sound decisions.  This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise; and then always upholding the decisions taken by Board. Trustees are also expected to support Vision Action’s fundraising initiatives.

Treasurer specific responsibilities

Hold specific responsibilities relevant to the role:

• Chair the fundraising and finance sub-committee, overseeing and advising on the financial risks, challenges, health and resilience of the charity, reporting back to the full board.
• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity, including the financial risks. This should include regular monitoring of cost recovery.
• Advise the board on the financial implications of its plans and policies.
• Monitor the preparation of budgets, accounts and financial statements and their presentation to the board.

Ensure policies and practices are in keeping with aims:

• Oversee the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐recovery and investment policies.
• Annually review the financial control framework to identify any changes, gaps and potential areas of exposure.
• Oversee the development and review of other policies and procedures as delegated to the fundraising and finance sub-committee by the board.

Ensure best practice:

• Support the Co-CEO (finance & operations) in preparing and presenting the budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the board, ensuring it receives a fully informed picture of the charity’s financial performance, position and effectiveness.
• Liaise with the Co-Chief Executive Officers and, as appropriate, with the investment advisors and auditors on matters relating to the organisation’s financial activities.
• Provide board‐level liaison with the external auditors on specific issues such as the auditors’ management letter, auditor remuneration and related board representations.
• Lead on recommending the appointment of new auditors to members of the organisation.
• Work with the Finance and Operations Manager to ensure that proper accounts and records are maintained, and that financial resources are spent and invested in line with good governance and legal and regulatory requirements.
• With the Finance & Operations Manager and the Joint Chief Executive Officers, closely monitor the reserves and investment plan, providing assurance to the board on the organisation’s future financial stability.
• Review all management accounts before they are placed before the board.

Personal specification

All our trustees are expected to have:

• A commitment to Vision Action’s vision and mission.
• A commitment to our values: being evidence-based, being inclusive, having integrity, sustainable programmes and being collaborative.
• Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role.
• Integrity.
• Strategic vision.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of Vision Action.

The treasurer will have:

• Experience as a director of finance (or equivalent) and/or in a treasurer role, with extensive experience of overseeing financial and management accounting, financial reporting, monitoring and controls, and external audit.
• An understanding of charity accounting and reporting standards (Charities SORP 2026), or a willingness to develop this through personal learning and development.
• A recognised accountancy qualification (CAAB) and
• Experience in international development would be an advantage.

The position is supported by the CEO who is an accountant and a part time bookkeeper.

The Next Step

We welcome questions and a discussion on our current financial circumstances with our treasurer and chair. Our treasurer retires in 2026, and we would like to involve any new appointment in our committees and board meeting in the last part of this year.