Charity trustee volunteer roles

Transform is looking for a new Treasurer to join our board of Trustees!

We are looking for a qualified accountant, preferably with experience in the charity sector; knowledge and experience of the drug sector an advantage.

As we are a small organisation this is quite a hands-on role. You will need:

 To work collaboratively with the CEO, our book-keepers and the auditors to produce annual accounts
and regular financial statements
 Proven accountancy qualifications, budgeting and understanding the finance of small
charities including a working knowledge of xero 
 Ability to translate finances in an easy-to-understand manner for different
stakeholders with less financial knowledge
 Good knowledge of charity governance rules and procedures
 To be passionate about the values and mission of the charity

You will also work closely with the Chair and the Board to ensure we are meeting our
financial objectives
You will be willing to bring experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and be
willing to broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

About Transform
Transform Drug Policy Foundation is a global leader in developing, and advocating for, more
humane drug policies. Our vision is a world where drug policy contributes to safer and
healthier societies. We want to recruit a treasurer, to oversee income and expenditure of the
organisation, to help drive forward our work.

This is an exciting time in drug policy. Rapid changes in approach are occurring in the UK and
internationally. Transform has a long history of shaping these changes and seeking to ensure
that reform reduces harm, improves social justice and protects public health. Our Anyone’s
Child campaign is a highly effective family-led movement that has had a significant impact
here and abroad. But like so many charities, we are feeling the strain from the cost of giving
crisis and gaining longer-term sustainable funding is essential for the continuation of our
important work. 

We welcome applications from all candidates with the skills and commitment to support the
work of Transform. We especially welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic
candidates as part of our commitment to ensuring a full diversity of experience is reflected in
our work. We are also interested to hear from candidates with personal lived experience
which informs their understanding of the need for drug policy reform.

Sift is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service-user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence.

To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values-led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change.

All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed. Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form which can be found on the Volunteering page of our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable recruitment pack - see our website for details. 

The Roles:

Board Secretary

Role Purpose

The Board Secretary helps ensure that Sift is governed with clarity and accountability. This role supports the Board to function well, ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and that governance processes enable the charity’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas and papers for Board and sub-committee meetings with the Chair and CEO.
• Take clear, accurate minutes that reflect decisions, context and agreed actions.
• With support from the Head of Operations, maintain key governance records, including trustee details, conflicts of interest and policies.
• Support compliance with the charity’s governing document and Charity Commission requirements.
• Assist with timely statutory filings and good governance practice.
• Act as a trusted point of reference for governance-related queries.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear, inclusive written communication.
• Respect for confidentiality and sensitive information.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and lived-experience-informed values.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance, company secretarial work or

trustee roles.

• Familiarity with Charity Commission guidance.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, plus preparation time.
• Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.

Business Development Lead

Role Purpose

The Business Development Lead supports Sift to grow sustainably, so that more people affected by self-injury can access support. This role brings a strategic lens to income generation, partnerships and opportunity development, grounded in the charity’s values and ethical approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and oversight of Sift’s income generation strategy.
• Support exploration of new funding, partnership and collaboration opportunities including the expansion and relaunch of our national in-person and online training programme.
• Offer insight and challenge on fundraising, commercial or social enterprise ideas.
• Network with key players in the mental health and wellbeing field.
• Help assess risk, impact and alignment with Sift’s mission.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in business development, commercial income generation, partnerships or strategy.
• Ability to balance ambition with care and ethical decision-making.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Commitment to SIFT’s mission and lived-experience-informed ethos.

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or social enterprises.
• Knowledge of trusts, foundations, corporate giving or

commissioning.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with occasional

input outside meetings.

• Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol

based office.

Leadership & Governance Director

Role Purpose

The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
• Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
• Contribute to succession planning and long-term organisational resilience.
• Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
• Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
• Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
• Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional

involvement as needed.

• Up to 4 in-person meetings at our Bristol based office.

What if being a Trustee was one of the most meaningful leadership roles you ever took on? At REMAP, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live with greater independence.

Each year, our volunteers design and create bespoke equipment free of charge for more than 3,000 disabled people across the UK. From simple adaptations that restore confidence to complex custom solutions that change daily life, every project starts with listening to the individual.

As we continue to grow our impact, we’re now recruiting new Trustees to join our Board.

We’re particularly interested in people with experience in:
• Finance and strategic oversight 
• Health and clinical practice, especially Occupational Therapy
• Lived experience of being disabled or caring for someone with a disability

Experience in charity or nonprofit finance is particularly valuable, especially in fund stewardship, governance, and financial resilience, but we also welcome applicants from commercial or public-sector backgrounds who bring strong financial leadership skills.

Or do you have a clinical and health background, particularly as an Occupational Therapist, to bring professional insight to our Board? Your experience can help shape safe, effective, person-centred solutions at a national level and strengthen how we work alongside health professionals.

We are keen to hear from disabled people and carers who can bring lived experience to our Board, helping ensure everything we do at REMAP remains grounded in real needs and real lives.

You don’t need previous board experience. We’re looking for people who bring insight, curiosity, and a commitment to strong governance and inclusive services.

Trustees play a vital role in shaping our strategy, supporting sustainability, and ensuring disabled people remain at the heart of everything we do.

If you’d like an informal conversation or know someone who might be a great fit, please get in touch:

We are seeking someone with understanding or experience of community and grant fundraising to join our board. The role involves leading our fundraising sub committee and providing a sounding board for our fundraising manager to deliver our fundraising strategy. 

What will you be doing?

Specific to the fundraising lead trustee role, your responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the fundraising sub committee.
• Work alongside the board to plan what level of funds must be raised to ensure the effective running of the charity.
• Be a sounding board for, and provide oversight of our fundraising manager.
• Lead on the board’s direct engagement with local fund-raising opportunities.
• Provide feedback to the fundraising manager. 

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidate would demonstrate: 

• An understanding of, and commitment to, the work of the Glasgow South West Foodbank.
• Understanding of, and passion for, fundraising.
• An ability to use that understanding to lead the fundraising sub committee and engage with the fundraising manager in a supportive and confident manner.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team which provides a vital service in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience for people in financial crisis and facing hunger.

Graphic Designer – VOLUNTEER

Flexible Hours | Remote | Start‑Up Youth Social Mobility Charity

About REMIX

REMIX is a start‑up, youth‑led social mobility charity transforming young lives across London. Based in Shoreditch, we empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across London to unlock their potential, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through nurturing mentorship, inspiring role models, and transformative opportunities.

We’re in the exciting early stages of building something bold, vibrant, and community‑powered — and we’re looking for a Graphic Designer (Volunteer) who can help bring REMIX’s visual identity to life and put us firmly on the map.

The Role

We are seeking a creative, energetic, and impact‑driven Graphic Designer (Volunteer) to help shape REMIX’s visual presence across digital and print. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who loves designing for purpose, enjoys youth‑focused branding, and wants to help build the look and feel of a movement from the ground up.

You will work closely with the Founder and wider team, to create bold, exciting, and culturally relevant designs that amplify REMIX’s voice across London.

Time commitment: FLEXIBLE & REMOTE, including:

• Design briefs and creative sessions

• Digital and print asset creation

• Occasional collaboration with leadership and volunteers

Key Responsibilities

As Graphic Designer (Volunteer), you will:

• Create impactful digital and print materials that increase brand awareness and excitement around REMIX.

• Design posters, social media graphics, flyers, banners, campaign visuals, and other creative assets.

• Bring REMIX’s brand guidelines to life with consistency, creativity, and youth‑friendly energy.

• Support the development of visual storytelling that highlights our mission, programmes, and impact.

• Help shape the visual identity of a start‑up charity with big ambitions.

• Ensure all designs feel vibrant, accessible, and aligned with our values of empowerment, equity, compassion, and inspiration.

This role blends creativity, branding, youth culture, and movement‑building — perfect for someone who wants their work to spark excitement and visibility.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need years of experience — we welcome emerging designers, students, freelancers, and creatives looking to build their portfolio. What matters most is your creativity, your passion, and your ability to design with purpose.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about social mobility, youth empowerment, and fairness.

• Creative, bold, and excited by designing for a youth‑led movement.

• Confident using design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite, Figma — whatever you prefer).

• Able to work collaboratively but also independently on briefs.

• Organised, reliable, and committed to our mission.

• Compassionate, emotionally intelligent, and community‑minded.

Experience with branding, social media design, or campaign visuals is beneficial — but not essential if you bring strong creative instincts and a willingness to learn.

Why Join REMIX?

• Play a central role in shaping the visual identity of a start‑up charity with huge potential.

• Help build a movement that champions equity, compassion, and opportunity.

• See your designs used across London to inspire young people and supporters.

• Work with passionate Trustees and volunteers who care deeply about young people.

• Build your portfolio with real‑world, high‑impact creative work.

• Make a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

This is your chance to design the look and feel of a movement.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 30th March 2026, before 5pm

REMIX

To empower. To inspire. To transform.

A great opportunity to play a role at an exciting stage of LRC’s growth!In 2025, the charity set-up a CRM system - after initial configuration, we now need a volunteer to help operationalise and is used optimally to achieve LRC’s goals.

In 2025, the charity set-up a CRM system using CiviPlus, a CRM system specific to the not-for-profit sector. We already have a technical volunteer who has helped with initial system configuration and can provide ongoing technical support.

The Lyme Resource Centre (LRC) is a charity with a mission to minimise risk of Lyme disease whilst enjoying the outdoors, by educating the public and healthcare professionals about ticks and Lyme disease. 

The charity has grown significantly over the past couple of years, and is now looking for volunteers to help with its next phase of evolution. 

Position Title: Language Programme Lead
Reporting to: Volunteer Leadership Team - Chair
Organisation: Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR)
Location: Sevenoaks Town and surrounding areas within the district council area
Time Commitment: 3 hours per week
Remuneration: Voluntary Position (Expenses Reimbursed)

Organisation Overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) was founded in 2017 and became a registered charity in 2019. Initially focused on supporting Syrian refugees resettling in the Sevenoaks district under the UK Government Resettlement Scheme, SWR’s mission has since expanded to assist 16 refugee families from Syria and Afghanistan, as well as 50 Ukrainian families. In 2023-24, SWR raised over £70,000 to further its work, collaborating closely with local councils and partner organisations to achieve its objectives. With seven trustees, 110 active volunteers, and a supporter base of approximately 750 people, SWR is poised for a new phase of growth.

Role Overview:
As the Language Programme Lead, you will provide leadership in developing and delivering tailored language learning plans for refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Your role is crucial in promoting independence and successful integration into society for these individuals and families, aligning with the charity’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
● Manage the delivery of language support tailored to the individual needs of each refugee through a team of 30 or so well-motivated language volunteers, usually, but not always operating one to one. This team have delivered at least 8,000 hours of language support since the charity started.
● Be actively involved in the recruitment of new language volunteers as required.
● Oversee necessary training for language volunteers and develop the promotion of best practice across the language programme group.
● Arrange for initial assessments on the arrival of all new families into the area and producing suitable teaching programmes that link with whatever other family support is required and what other stakeholders are providing.
● Work with the Volunteer Leadership Team to provide an effective overall support for our refugee beneficiaries.
● Liaise with key stakeholders such as Kent Adult Education(KAE), and the Kent ESOL Networking Group to maintain good relationships that support the provision of our language programme.

Qualifications
A working knowledge of ESOL and associated exams and qualifications would be beneficial.
Driver’s licence and access to a car would be extremely useful, given the geographical spread of the beneficiaries in the wider Sevenoaks area. This is not a role that can be performed online.

Impact and reward:
The Language Programme Lead will play a critical role in empowering refugees to achieve greater independence and integration within their new communities. You will help our refugee beneficiaries gain the language skills, confidence, and vocational training necessary to navigate daily life, access employment opportunities, and participate fully in society. You will play a big role in transforming the lives of refugees. In some cases of refugees who are illiterate in their own language, this will be genuinely life changing.

We are seeking several volunteers fior administrative support committed Trustees across this dynamic Trust's activities in creating historical town maps and atlases.  Roles include managing online meetings, contributing to operations including sales, events, marketing, basic book keeping and all other ways of being useful to the growing needs of the Trust.

We are on an ambitious path to increase the rate of publication, develop a strong educational outreach platform, and embed our maps in the communities of the towns we publish. Trustees are mainly senior academics and others committed to education and urban history and all have a passion for cartography. We currently have no employees

We are Looking for 1 – 2 Exceptional Volunteers! Use your expertise to help shape the future of care for children and families who need us most. Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is recruiting Non-Executive Members for our Income Generation Committee – inspiring leaders who can bring sharp insight, sector know-how and big-picture thinking to drive our fundraising, marketing and communications strategies forward. If you are experienced in the charity sector, passionate about fundraising and ready to make a strategic impact that genuinely changes lives, we would love to hear from you.

Duties and Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight, constructive challenge and guidance across income and marketing priorities.
• Share sector knowledge to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the income portfolio.
• Support the development of ambitious, innovative and sustainable fundraising approaches.
• Champion best practice in fundraising and marketing.
• Work collaboratively with Trustees, senior leaders and fellow committee members.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experienced in the non-profit sector, with substantial insight into the realities, challenges and opportunities of income generation today.
• Specialised in at least one (ideally more) of the following areas: Digital fundraising: digital acquisition, online giving, digital optimisation. Supporter journeys and engagement: insight-led supporter experience design. High-value fundraising and major campaigns: strategic planning, mobilisation, creative development, impact storytelling
• Forward-thinking: able to consider the bigger picture and ask the right questions to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborative and values-led, contributing constructively while upholding the organisation’s mission and values.
• Committed to volunteering, motivated to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference.

This position is a Trustee role, sitting on Hidayah's board. The IT/Tech This role will oversee Hidayah’s IT infrastructure to ensure suitability and sustainability of charitable activities.

What are the responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

● To ensure Hidayah’s IT operating systems and equipment are fit for purpose

● To drive the delivery and improvement of data protection procedures, using technology to improve the operations of the charity

● To keep the website updated, refreshed and ensure plug-ins and links are valid. This will include creating new pages, updating SEO and ensuring hosting agents are compliant with GDPR

● To take the lead in evaluating IT related proposals for the Board of Trustees

● To provide strategic oversight of implementation and project manage any IT related projects

● To assist with documentation of processes and delivery of specific tech training for volunteers

● Manage and moderate the Hidayah Discord server

● Operate as Hidayah’s Google Workspace administrator

● Work with the wider Digital Team to facilitate the technical development of Hidayah as an organization

How much commitment is required? 

We are flexible around your own schedule. However, the following commitments are in place for all members of the Hidayah Board:

● To be able to attend all Trustee meetings and to deliver a comprehensive report to the Trustee each meeting with updates and to completed actions as and when they appear

● To aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary when close to Hidayah events as well as the events themselves (where possible due to geography)

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives

● To be part of a communications group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments

● To contribute toward and to maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ so it is always up to date with clear records, templates and forms

● To check emails and to respond when needed

● Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah

● To contribute toward the Annual Report once a year

● To be in post until the next AGM

● The role is subject to a 6 months probationary period.

What do we expect from a Trustee: IT Tech Officer

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge: 

● Educated to degree level or experience which demonstrates equivalent technical role

● Knowledge of Wordpress / Frontend development skills (Currently using Breakdance for our website)

● Adept knowledge of Discord as a communications platform and server management

● Knowledge of Google Workspace

Personal Skills:

● Ability to understand confidentiality, equality and diversity and safeguarding procedures;

● Ability to respond to resolving conflict situations if needed;

● Someone who can behave with professionalism.

Administration Skills:

● To regularly check, maintain and keep up to date Hidayah administration and data handling systems such as using Google Drive to store information

● A high degree of literacy of Microsoft Office and IT Applications

● To be part of a communications text group to keep up to date with Hidayah developments and to inform the Board Members of any developments;

● To read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on website).

Additional:

● To help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives.

Ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

This position is a Trustee role, sitting on Hidayah's board. The HR & Recruitment Lead provides strategic leadership, governance oversight, and guidance on all human resources and recruitment matters to enable Hidayah to operate effectively and sustainably. This role sits at board level and works collaboratively with fellow Trustees to ensure strong people management practices aligned with Hidayah’s mission, values and legal obligations.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Lead on the development and oversight of Hidayah’s HR and Recruitment strategy
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are robust, legally compliant, and aligned with best practice within the voluntary sector
• Advise the Board on workforce planning, organisational structure, succession planning and volunteer lifecycle management
• Provide strategic oversight of recruitment processes to ensure fairness, transparency and equality
• Oversee risk management relating to HR and people governance
• Support the preparation of HR-related content for the annual report

Recruitment & Workforce Oversight

• Oversee the creation and approval of role descriptions and recruitment materials
• Provide guidance on recruitment panels and selection processes to ensure consistency and inclusivity
• Monitor and evaluate recruitment effectiveness and retention trends
• Support the development of structured onboarding processes
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place for record-keeping and confidentiality

Organisational Development

• Champion a positive, inclusive and values-driven organisational culture
• Advise on volunteer and staff development frameworks
• Oversee training strategy and learning opportunities
• Support conflict resolution and provide guidance on disciplinary or grievance matters when required

What do we expect from the HR & Recruitment Trustee?

Essential:

· Strong administrative and organisational skills.

· Attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive data responsibly.

· Comfortable using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive).

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Commitment to confidentiality and data protection best practices.

· Alignment with the values and mission of Hidayah LGBTQI+.

Desirable:

· Experience using CRM or applicant tracking systems to manage people or processes.

· Previous involvement in recruitment, HR, or volunteer coordination.

· Knowledge of inclusive recruitment and accessibility best practices.

· Understanding of challenges facing LGBTQI+ Muslims and other marginalised groups.

· Experience volunteering or working in a charity or community-based organisation.

Ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

How much commitment is required? 

We are flexible around your schedule, most roles require 2-4 hours per week depending on the time of year, current priorities etc. However, the following commitments are in place for all members of the Hidayah Board:

• Attend monthly Trustee meetings and provide updates on HR & Recruitment matters
• Attend regular one-to-one check ins with the Chair
• Attend Hidayah events (where geographically possible)
• Check and respond to emails in a timely manner
• Contribute to Trustee communications (via Discord) and remain engaged with organisational developments
• Provide HR-related information, statements and data for the annual report as required
• Stay up to date with organisational changes, governance responsibilities and sector developments

This role is subject to a 6-month probationary period with a 2-month notice period should you wish to resign.

This role remains in place until the next AGM.

What benefits do I get from this role?

·  A feeling of making a difference to LGBTQI+ Muslims and the feeling of being part of an organisation which seeks social justice for LGBTQI+ Muslims. You can be part of that change.

·  Gaining board-level governance experience.

·  A warm and approachable team of volunteers to support you as you work with us at the other end of the phone.

·  Strategic experience and development.

·  Development of professional networking skills.

·  Development of interpersonal skills.

·  A reference for your CV.

Job description

Our partner is an independent, non partisan think tank and registered charity working to build a confident and inclusive Britain. It brings together voices from politics, civil society and business to find common ground on issues including immigration, integration, race and identity.

The Treasurer will join the Board of Trustees and work closely with the Director and Chair to support strategy and financial sustainability. Responsibilities include supporting the Board’s financial decision making, ensuring trustees understand the charity’s financial position, overseeing the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts, and advising on financial governance and compliance. The Treasurer will also support fundraising where appropriate and act as an ambassador for the organisation’s work.

The ideal candidate will hold an accountancy qualification or have strong financial management experience at Board level. You will be confident communicating financial information to non financial trustees and committed to a collaborative, cross party approach to social change.

The Board meets quarterly in London, with some flexibility for remote participation. Trustees are expected to contribute between meetings as needed to support effective governance.

Please note that this is a volunteer role and there is therefore no remuneration.

__________________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles, please visit the AfID website.

We are seeking to appoint a voluntary Trustee for our charity who will also take up the role of Company Secretary.

As Company Secretary, you will:

• Liaise with and support the chair and other trustees in organising meetings and taking minutes.
• Ensure the trustees are aware of their legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Maintain the register of members, trustees, directors, and secretaries.
• Prepare and file annual returns and other statutory documents with Companies House and the charity regulator.
• Help us maintain compliance with charity regulations and governance standards.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Well-organised.
• An excellent communicator.
• Passionate about our mission.
• Committed to upholding the highest standards of governance

About Maidstone Homeless Care:

Maidstone Homeless Care is a well-established charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people in the Maidstone area . We run an active day centre, busy food bank and a small residential unit supporting homeless people. 

We have one formal evening meeting each month . The role of trustee is a voluntary role and consistent support is available from the trustee group as well as appropriate training.

If you're looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity where you can use your skills to support a vital cause, we'd love to hear from you.

Trusteeship for Thetford Heritage Trust

Location: Thetford

Salary:  Voluntary

Thetford Heritage Trust are in the process of becoming a newly formed charity, they are seeking Trustees to join its Board as it embarks on an exciting programme of work to unlock the heritage potential of the Norfolk Town of Thetford.

The Trust has been set up to preserve and maintain Thetford’s many historic buildings and to develop a community heritage and arts centre to support and promote the town’s rich heritage and encourage local participation in the performing and creative arts

The Trust is looking to recruit five independent trustees with experience in charity governance, architectural heritage, finance, creative and performance arts and fundraising. They will join the five members of Thetford Town Council already appointed to the new board. 

This is a great opportunity to play a pivotal role in guiding the development of Thetford’s architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Time commitment: initially, in the setting up period, board meetings will be held bi-monthly, the time commitment will be up to 6 hours per month.

As the Trust progresses, board meetings will reduce to 4 meetings per year. Trustees are expected to attend these and to devote sufficient time to read through the board papers in advance. There may be other events that trustees are invited to attend, and other opportunities to get involved.

Meetings will be held either electronically by Microsoft Teams or in person in the Guildhall in Thetford on a Wednesday or Thursday evening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. From time to time, additional meetings may be necessary. 

Terms of office: our trustees can serve up to 2 three-year terms for a maximum of 6 years. 

Trustee expenses: all reasonable expenses incurred by trustees to attend meetings will be reimbursed. 

Overall purpose of the role: our trustees are legally responsible for the governance of Thetford Heritage Trust. This means they must make sure that the Trust achieves its objectives, as set out in our governing document. They ensure we have a strategy, and that our assets and resources are only used for charitable purposes in line with our governing document.

Our trustees make sure that we operate in line with any relevant laws, particularly the Charities and Companies Acts. Trustees have a collective responsibility – to work together for the best interests of the Thetford Heritage Trust.

Role description:

Organisational purpose

• Making sure Thetford Heritage Trust (the Trust) pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by ensuring that suitable strategies, plans and policies are in place.

• Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

Leadership

• Ensuring that the Trust applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects and ensuring the financial stability of the Trust.
• Ensuring that there are appropriate policies and procedures in place for the effective and efficient administration of the Trust.
• Protecting and managing the property entrusted to the Trust and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Representing the board’s agreed position when speaking publicly on behalf of the Trust.
• Acting as an ambassador and champion for the Trust at events and online.

Integrity

• Committing to uphold the Trust’s Trustee Code of Conduct
• Upholding any policies and procedures relevant to the trustee role including confidentiality, safeguarding, conflict of interest and data protection.

Decision-making risk and control

• Ensuring clear focus on strategy, performance, and assurance,
• Promoting a culture of sound objective decision making, without undue influence by special or personal interests.
• Ensuring appropriate risk management and plans for mitigation are in place.

Board effectiveness

• Upholding board collective responsibility.
• Making reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the Board and the wider organisation.
• Contributing towards an annual review of the board’s performance. 

Openness and accountability

• Ensuring the charity’s performance and interaction with its stakeholders are guided by the values, ethics and culture put in place by the board.
• Taking seriously the responsibility for building public trust and confidence in the organisation’s work.  

Person specification

Attributes

• Strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
• Demonstrable commitment to the Trust’s charitable objects and to developing the Trust’s strategic vision.
• Ability to contribute to the work and ongoing development of the Trust, not only through regular attendance of board meetings, but also through sub-committees of the Board, and/or ad hoc ‘task and finish’ group activity, as appropriate.
• Ability to use previous experiences in a relevant manner, whilst at the same time being able to separate from prior allegiances and interests, so that conflicts can be managed openly and transparency guaranteed.
• Be comfortable discussing and making decisions on matters outside of your direct area of expertise.
• Appreciation of the nature of risk management at board level.

Skills

• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to converse beyond your own domain of expertise and to discuss complex and/or intractable problems and contribute to solutions, even if these are not perfectly aligned to your own views;

and be able to:

•  provide support and advice to the Trustees and officers in the affairs and strategic development of the Trust.
•  demonstrate a clear commitment to operating by the standards relating to public life and knowledge of the Charity Commission’s requirements of Trustees.

To Apply

If you are interested in joining our Board of Trustees and playing a pivotal role in the development of the Thetford Heritage Trust, we would love to hear from you.