Charity trustee volunteer volunteer roles

GFS is a charity dedicated to enabling girls and young women to become unstoppable. We are seeking people who are committed to gender equality, passionate about youth development, and who value safe, inclusive spaces for girls and young women. 

Roles: Various Trustee positions, including Safeguarding, HR and Treasurer

As a Trustee you will provide leadership and contribute to the Board of Trustees enabling the fulfilment of responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of GFS.

We are looking for Trustees who care deeply about our mission and who bring experience, skills and enthusiasm to help steer the charity into its next chapter.

• The Treasurer is a member of the GFS Board of Trustees and is responsible for leading the Board’s oversight of the organisation’s financial strategy, governance, and sustainability.
• The Safeguarding Trustee provides strategic leadership and assurance on all aspects of safeguarding across GFS. They ensure that the Board of Trustees fulfils its collective duty to protect all children, young people, and adults at risk who come into contact with GFS’s activities.
• We are also looking for Trustees with experience in Human Resources and being part of People teams.
• See Treasurer and HR Trustee roles for more details.

The Safeguarding Trustee provides strategic leadership and assurance on all aspects of safeguarding across GFS. They ensure that the Board of Trustees fulfils its collective duty to protect all children, young people, and adults at risk who come into contact with GFS’s activities. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, and Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL), this trustee champions a proactive safeguarding culture built on trust, transparency, and accountability. Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring that the values and mission of GFS are upheld in all of the decisions and decision-making processes of the Board.
• Contributing actively to the Board’s discussions on the strategic plans for GFS and supporting the Leadership Team to implement them.
• Lead the Board’s responsibility for safeguarding and ensure statutory and regulatory obligations are met.
• Review, approve, and monitor safeguarding policies, ensuring they are updated regularly and effectively implemented.
• Provide assurance that safeguarding risks are identified, managed, and escalated appropriately.
• Offer informed scrutiny and constructive challenge to ensure safeguarding remains a strategic priority.
• Receive regular updates from the DSL and senior leadership, and report key issues and learning to the Board.
• Promote awareness, understanding, and accountability for safeguarding across the organisation, including among volunteers and trustees.
• Keep up to date with safeguarding developments, legislation, and best practice in the charity and youth sectors.
• Act as a visible ambassador for safeguarding, attending relevant committees, events, or training sessions as required.

Time Committment

• Board Members serve an initial three-year term and are eligible for reappointment for an additional term.
• Three Virtual Board meetings and an in person in either in Central London or a central city (meetings are currently held on Saturdays).
• Occasional strategy days, workshops or working groups. Quarterly Sub - Committee membership depending on skills and capacity.
• Regular liaison with the Chair and DSL (typically 3–4 times per year).

Closing date: Monday 16 th February, 9am 

Optional Q&A Session: To be booked individually by contacting our recruitment team. 

Interviews: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th February 

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

Charity Trustee

You and Me Counselling are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to complement the committee members already in their role.

This is a home working role and will be for immediate start.

Our charity

You and Me Counselling is a charitable organisation established in 2011. We are a counselling and psychotherapy service based in Hornchurch, Essex that works with children, young people, adults, and their families in the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Our counsellors and therapists work both within schools and from our counselling rooms located in Hornchurch and Ilford.

You and Me Counselling are an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we are fully governed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

Job Description

As a trustee you will need to:

• Acknowledge emails at least once a day.
• Give a minimum of one hour per week to the role.
• Attend quarterly trustee meetings online.
• Ensure that You and Me Counselling pursues its stated objectives
• Ensure there is regular review of changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, etc.)
• Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Monitor finance to ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively for its charitable objectives.
• Uphold the good name and values of You and Me Counselling.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Supervise, support and appraise the chief executive officer.
• Hold the chief executive officer to account for the management and administration of the charity.
• Ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees.
• Identify major risks to the organisation and put systems in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.
• Ensure that the organisation has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objectives
• Regularly review your own training needs and create an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation.
• Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein.

Person Specifications

All trustees should demonstrate the following skills and values:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities as a trustee
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data.

Specific Skills

The ideal candidate would have one of more of the following:

• Experience in law and governance
• Experience in charity fundraising
• Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
• Experience in accounting or financial management
• A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues

Mavar is currently seeking a seasoned networker to join the Mavar Trustee Board as a Trustee with special responsibilities for strengthening our fundraising practice and broadening the charity’s donor base. Working with our Board and CEO, you’ll bring experience, insight and strategic guidance to help develop our fundraising capacity in support of the strategic development of the charity.

Mavar’s Mission

Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, Mavar’s central mission is to empower individuals who choose to explore opportunities beyond the strictly orthodox community to fulfil personal goals. Mavar supports our members’ efforts to achieve independence, live authentically and cope with the obstacles they may encounter as they explore options to live, work or study in the secular world – whether or not they choose to leave the Charedi community.

Trustee Role Details

The day-to-day operations of Mavar are conducted by staff and volunteers under the leadership of our CEO and with the overall oversight of the Trustee Board.

Main Duties of the Fundraising Trustee:

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is planned and executed in alignment with Mavar’s budget framework and objectives.
• Act as a fundraising champion on Mavar’s board, working with the CEO and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If you have personal networks with fundraising potential, utilise them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, as well as Mavar’s policies and procedures. You are expected to give at least one day per month to your role. Board meetings take place four times a year in London, with a mixture of online and in-person meetings and are complemented by occasional online or in-person feedback meetings with the CEO and the Treasurer.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns)
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice
• Strong communication and networking skills

Desirable

• Experience of charity fundraising
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural context

Next Steps and Timeline

If you are interested in this role, please contact the Chair of the Trustee Board to arrange an informal chat.

If you would like to make a formal application, please send a CV and cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant expertise and interest in Mavar’s mission to the above. Please put your name and the role you are applying for in the subject line.

Context: Mavar’s Service Users

Some men and women who have grown up in the closed world of the Charedi community hold personal and religious values that are not in line with the rest of the community. Attempts to follow their own path often bring them into direct confrontation with family, friends and neighbours who regard expressions of individualism or self-determination as heresy. These individuals fear that the community will ostracise them, leaving them feeling trapped, isolated and helpless.

Some may simply wish to explore options for obtaining a general education or improving their access to employment opportunities whilst wishing to remain within the ultra-orthodox community; others may look to divest themselves of the strictures of ultra-orthodoxy and to lead a more mainstream lifestyle. They all typically lack the everyday life skills to cope with the challenges of the secular world, which appears to them as a confusing, frightening and alien planet. Any effort to integrate with the outside, secular world is hampered by limited English language skills, cultural disorientation, lack of basic education or qualifications and negligible skills for employment.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Are you interested in joining Acorn’s board of trustees?

We’re looking for someone who wants to make a real difference. If you’re passionate about social impact and excited by the idea of helping to shape the future of a vibrant, friendly charitable social enterprise, we’d love to hear from you.

Who are Acorn Early Years?

Acorn Early Years is a charitable social enterprise providing high‑quality childcare and early education across day nurseries, forest schools, out‑of‑school clubs, and specialist early years catering and training services. We are continuing to grow, despite the challenges facing the early years sector, and now operate 18 nurseries with just over 500 employees.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our welcoming team of voluntary trustees. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and we warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with finance, property, charity law and compliance, or local government expertise. You’ll bring:

• Strong communication and leadership skills
• A commitment to our values and mission
• Experience from any professional or personal context — previous trustee experience is desirable but not essential. We will support you to grow confidently into the role.

Our commitment to inclusion and support:

We want volunteering with us to be accessible to everyone. To support this, we:

• Reimburse all reasonable volunteer expenses, including travel to meetings
• Offer flexibility around meeting times where possible
• Provide accessibility support or adjustments as needed
• Foster a culture where every trustee’s voice is valued and respected

What does the role involve?

Being a trustee is an unpaid voluntary role, usually lasting at least three years. You will attend five Board meetings each year in Milton Keynes, and you may also choose to join one of our specialist trustee committees.

To find out more about the duties of a charity trustee, please see ‘The essential trustee (CC3)’ on the Gov. website. 

What difference will you make?

Our trustees play a very important role in our organisation, shaping and supporting our current work and the future direction and development of the organisation. As a trustee you will be joining the Trustee Board which has been making an impact since our charity was established in 2012.

How to apply:

To find out more, please see our Trustee Application Pack via our website - 'Work With Us/Become a Trustee' page.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Santa Svike, Governance Lead, by visiting our website ('Work With Us/Become a Trustee' page)

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to the same email address.

Do you want to support the running of the charity that supports people in Berkshire’s hospitals?

Are you the person to develop and lead our business opportunities planning, alongside our existing trustees?

You could join the Board of the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals, a charity that improves the experience of patients, visitors, medical staff and others who work in the Royal Berkshire and Wokingham Hospitals.

Our charity grew from a Reading-only organisation set up in 1957, which itself grew from a charitable group in the 1940s. We’re now serving both Reading and Wokingham hospitals, and intend to expand our services and thus our charitable business even further: to better serve all those in the hospitals. Our expenditure in 2024 was £366k, and we have plans to expand our business and fundraising operations outside of hospital premises.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in the services we provide to those in hospitals, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We are looking for experience of developing a business, not necessarily in the not-for-private-profit sector, identifying new opportunities and relationships, creating and implementing our new marketing strategy.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.

Trustees are not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for no more than ten  hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is available.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom)  

Migrateful is looking for new Trustees to help guide our next chapter! Migrateful runs cookery classes in London and Bristol led by refugees and migrants to support them on their journey to integration & employment.
 

Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, strengthening governance and acting as critical friends to the executive team, ensuring Migrateful continues to deliver high quality, impactful work in line with its charitable purpose.

We are currently looking for a trustee with financial qualifications and experience, ideally including charity finance and fundraising, who will support the Finance and Risk Subcommittee. This includes overseeing budgets, monitoring financial performance, reviewing financial and operational risks, and providing assurance on internal control systems to support financial decision-making.

Trustees will play a pivotal role in ensuring Migrateful can continue to grow and deliver meaningful impact for migrant and refugee communities. They will help support the continued expansion of our cookery class programme, which provides vital training, employment and integration opportunities and a platform for migrant-led cultural exchange. 

For more information please see our trustee recruitment pack. 

About StreetVet

StreetVet is a fast-growing national charity, committed to providing free vet care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness and to keeping pets and owners together to maintain the human-animal bond. StreetVet relies on its team of clinical and support volunteers in 30 locations around the UK to provide free veterinary treatment, funded by grants, corporate and private donors and partners. Since inception in 2016, the charity has treated over 3,000 pets and has won numerous awards including the Vet Trust Award for the Most Trusted Veterinary Charity, Purina Better with Pets Prize and Homeless Link Excellence Award for Excellent Support.

Our Top Priorities

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Fundraising Trustee to work with the staff and Board to develop and build the existing fundraising strategy and capability of this small but rapidly growing national charity to the next step in realising our ambition, whilst embedding good governance, and strengthening the charity’s financial position. As a young charity we still need practical, hands on support from the trustees in their area of expertise while we work to mature into an organisation where the trustees can focus on a purely governance role.

Broad Description of Role

· Contribute actively as a member of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic direction, set overall strategy and policy, set targets and evaluate performance.

· Oversee all fundraising and ensure it is undertaken legally, honestly and accountably. Adhering to the Fundraising Regulator guidelines.

· Work with the CEO, Head of Marketing & Fundraising, Fundraising Manager and Board of Trustees to develop and implement a fundraising strategy for the charity to strengthen our financial sustainability, including maintaining existing donors and developing new funding streams.

· Use pre-existing networks to identify funding opportunities and facilitate introductions as well as strengthening relationships with existing donors and supporters.

· Support the development of a HNW network which will take some creativity in the current climate.

· Oversee the development and use of campaigns, social media and celebrity engagement so support income generation.

· Ensure donor reporting and compliance with fundraising legislation.

Who we’re looking for - knowledge and experience

· Demonstrable experience of fundraising at a senior level within the Third Sector.

· A thorough understanding of the Third Sector, Charity Commission legislation,  charity governance and the Fundraising Regulator’s guidelines.

· Awareness of the challenges a small charity can face in developing long term funding streams.

· Experience of donor cultivation and journey.

· Experience of a diverse range of funding streams such as trust and foundations, corporate giving, HNW, individual giving and commercial income generation.

· Excellent networking, influencing and communication skills.

· Active support of fundraising programme.

· Help to create a culture of philanthropy.

Input and Time Commitment:

· A time commitment of 2-4 hours a month would be expected.

· Trustees are expected to be available for regular consultation and input on a range of issues in between meetings, usually via email.

· Attend at least one outreach a year.

· Attend virtual quarterly board meetings, held on third Tuesday of January, April, July, October at 6pm. Meetings duration approx 1 – 2 hours.

o Papers for the meeting are sent the week prior and Trustees must ensure they have read and understood all the information in advance in order to participate fully.

· Attend annual conference – usually 2 days in London.

· Attend in-person annual strategic review, usually half a day, in London.

· Training will be provided to give a good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trustees.

Personal Attributes:

· Good time management and personal motivation, and ability to work flexibly with a small fast-growing organisation.

· Belief in the vision, mission and values of StreetVet.

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

· An ability to think logically and objectively to identify key issues and good judgement to support robust decision making.

· Ability and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

· Good communicator, able to both empower and challenge supportively.

· An ability to think creatively and offer new ideas.

· A willingness to speak their mind and voice opinions even if these are not shared by other trustees.

· An ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team.

· Understanding of how to use Microsoft Teams to facilitate collaborative and remote working or willingness to learn.

Become a Young 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 Young 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 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 Young 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: 

• Contribute to shaping Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitoring performance
• Help ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document (training provided)
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity
• Support effective use of resources and long-term sustainability
• Work with fellow trustees to advise and support the CEO
• Act as an ambassador for Young Citizens, promoting our mission and building connections

Why join as a Young Trustee?

• Play an important role in guiding a national charity at a critical time for civic education.
• Bring your perspective as a young person to Board discussions - your lived experience matters.
• Gain governance experience, develop leadership skills, and learn how charities operate.
• Receive full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support, including a mentor trustee.

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 looking for young trustees who bring fresh ideas, big-picture thinking, and a collaborative spirit. You’ll approach the role with openness and integrity, ready to learn, grow, and champion Young Citizens beyond the boardroom.

We welcome applications from young people aged 18–25 who are passionate about active citizenship and youth voice. You do not need prior board experience - training and support will be provided. We’re looking for potential, and learning as you go is part of the role. If you have experience or interest in any of the following areas, that’s great (but not essential):

• Citizenship education or youth engagement
• Marketing, communications, or influencing
• Business growth and partnerships
• Digital innovation or technology
• Fundraising and income generation

We also welcome diverse experiences or educational backgrounds, including leadership, public service, law, finance, policy, or community involvement.

If you want to play an active role in guiding strategy and making decisions that matter, ensuring hundreds of thousands of young people every year have the skills and confidence to engage fully in society, 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 (usually weekday evenings in London), 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.

Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.

We are now seeking to appoint up to four people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, as we launch our new strategic review in 2026. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.

We are also seeking to appoint a Nations Trustees for Scotland. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in their Nation.

Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with current or recent experience of caring from all backgrounds and experiences. We would welcome trustees with financial experience who could join our Finance and Resources sub-committee.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

YES is a registered charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and
young people in the Wycombe district. We are seeking a Trustee with legal expertise
to join our Board and help ensure strong governance, regulatory compliance, and
effective risk management.

This voluntary role offers the opportunity to use your knowledge to make a meaningful difference to young people’s lives.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility with your Board colleagues for the
governance and strategic direction of YES. As our Trustee with legal expertise, you will:

• Provide Board-level oversight on legal and regulatory matters
• Support the identification and management of legal risk
• Review key contracts, agreements, and governance documentation
• Advise the Board on relevant legal and policy developments

This is not a legal counsel role, but a strategic governance position. External legal advice will be sought where required.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has appropriate qualifications or substantial experience
• Understands (or is willing to learn) charity governance and regulation
• Can provide constructive challenge and clear advice to a Board
• Is committed to improving mental health outcomes for children and young people

We particularly welcome applications from people with diverse lived experience, including LGBTQ+ communities, global majority backgrounds, and lived experience of mental health challenges.
 

YES is seeking a Trustee with fundraising expertise to join our Board and support the
long-term sustainability and growth of our charity, which is dedicated to improving the
mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance,
strategic direction, and public benefit. As the Board’s lead Trustee for fundraising, you
will provide insight, oversight, and constructive challenge, drawing on your professional
fundraising experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Board’s lead Trustee for fundraising.
• Support the development and oversight of YES’s fundraising strategy.
• Provide guidance and challenge in relation to funding applications and income generation activity.
• Keep the Board informed of fundraising regulation, compliance, and best practice.
• Contribute a fundraising perspective to policy and strategic decision-making.

About You

You will bring relevant fundraising experience, strong communication skills, and a
commitment to good governance. You will be confident providing constructive
challenge and able to work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the executive team.
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

Inclusion

YES values the insight that lived experience brings to effective governance. We
particularly welcome applications from people with diverse lived experience,
including LGBTQ+ communities, global majority backgrounds, and lived experience of
mental health challenges.
 

Primary Location:          Walton Firs Activity Centre, Convent Lane, Cobham, Surrey KYT11 1HB
Secondary Location:     Dixcart House, Addlestone Road, Bourne Business Park, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2LE
Remuneration:                Voluntary (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed)
Time Commitment:       Between 15 and 40 hours annually, depending on personal capacity. Role commitments include five board meetings per year including the annual general meeting, and periodic sub-committees and public events.

1. Organisational Information:

1.1 The Walton Firs Foundation is a Surrey-based registered charity (Charity registration number: 1113830), and a company limited by guarantee without share capital (Companies House registration number: 05695208). The Foundation’s charitable mission is to support young people’s personal development and social inclusion, through enabling their engagement in outdoor education, vocational training, and volunteering programmes. Since its establishment in 2006, the Foundation has enabled over 250,000 young people from across the south-east of England to learn, develop and enjoy in nature, including many whose backgrounds and circumstances have previously restricted their access to the natural environment. The Foundation is a recipient of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of its developmental impact on the lives of young people. In 2024/25, the Foundation recorded a total income of £852,977, and a net trading surplus of £81,286.

1.2 The Foundation owns and manages Walton Firs Activity Centre, a fifty-acre facility that provides forty land-based outdoor education activities and residential capacity to accommodate up to 1,100 young people. The activity centre is commissioned by a wide range of children’s and youth service providers and by primary, secondary and SEND schools to deliver high quality curriculum enhancement programmes and outdoor learning activities. In addition, the activity centre directly-delivers a range of services for local young people, including holiday and afterschool activity projects, work experience programmes, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In 2024/25, Walton Firs Activity Centre delivered 479 service commissions and engaged 32,000 young people in outdoor learning activities and programmes.

1.3 Currently, the Foundation has six trustees / directors, who work with the company secretary under the leadership of the chairman of the board, to provide oversight and scrutiny of, and support and guidance to, the chief executive officer and the activity centre management team. A group of twenty-five charity patrons provide overview over the trustees / directors.

1.4 For more information about the Walton Firs Foundation and Walton Firs Activity Centre, please visit our website

2. Role Purpose:

2.1 The Trustees / Directors of the Walton Firs Foundation serve simultaneously as a charity trustees and as company directors, and manage statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for the strategic direction, operational governance, and financial status of the organisation, and work closely with the chief executive officer to ensure the Foundation delivers its charitable objects and activities for the public benefit, in compliance with the Charity Commission’s regulations and company law. The role’s key accountabilities include ensurance of the Foundation’s capacity to manage high-quality outdoor education experiences and facilities for young people, whilst complying with all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

3. Key Responsibilities:

Governance and Compliance:

3.1 The Trustees / Directors:

3.1.1 Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and other relevant legislation / regulations including health and safety, safeguarding, data protection, and employment law.

3.1.2 Ensure the organisation is managed ethically and with integrity, and avoid conflicts of interest or misuse of charity / company assets.

3.1.3 Ensure that organisational policies, procedures, and practices comply with legal requirements and sector best practice.

3.1.4 Ensure the safeguarding and promotion of the wellbeing and safety of children and young people.

Strategic Leadership:

3.2 The Trustees / Directors:

3.2.1 Contribute to setting the organisation’s strategic direction, vision, mission, and values.

3.2.2 Monitor the organisation’s performance against agreed objectives and outcomes.

3.2.3 Ensure the organisation’s activities align with its charitable objects and activities, and provide measurable public benefit.

Financial Stewardship:

3.3 The Trustees / Directors:

3.3.1 Ensure effective and efficient management of the organisation’s resources, including safeguarding assets and ensuring funds are used exclusively to pursue the charity’s objects and activities.

3.3.2 Approve annual budgets, business plans, and financial statements.

3.3.3 Oversee risk management, ensuring appropriate internal controls, reserves, and sustainability planning.

Board and Organisational Development:

3.4 The Trustees / Directors:

3.4.1 Actively participate in board meetings and relevant committees.

3.4.2 Contribute expertise, constructive challenge, and support to the chief executive officer.

3.4.3 Support fundraising and income generation, ensuring compliance with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice.

3.4.4 Promote the organisation’s work to stakeholders, partners, and the wider community.

4. Statutory Duties as a Charity Trustee:

4.1 In accordance with the Charity Commission regulations, the Trustees of the Walton Firs Foundation:

4.1.1 Act in the charity’s best interests – prioritise the needs of the charity beneficiaries above personal or external interests.

4.1.2 Manage the charity’s resources responsibly – ensure effective use of charity funds, assets, and staff and volunteers.

4.1.3 Act with reasonable care and skill – use personal and professional competencies and experience to inform charity decision-making.

4.1.4 Ensure accountability – be answerable to beneficiaries, patrons, the Charity Commission, funders, and the wider public.

5. Statutory Duties as a Company Director:

5.1 In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Directors of the Walton Firs Foundation:

5.1.1 Promote the success of the company for the benefit of its customers.

5.1.2 Exercise independent judgment and make organisational decisions objectively.

5.1.3 Exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence based on personal and professional expertise and the standards expected of a company director.

5.1.4 Avoid conflicts of interest and declare any that arise.

5.1.5 Refuse benefits from third parties that could compromise their independence.

5.1.6 Ensure accurate records and filings are maintained with Companies House.

6. Person Specification:

6.1 Essential Criteria:

6.1.1 Commitment to the charity’s objects and activities: the provision of developmental outdoor education opportunities for the benefit of young people.

6.1.2 Knowledge and understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of charity trustees and company directors.

6.1.3 Capacity to think strategically and contribute to organisational policy and procedural development.

6.1.4 Effective communication, interpersonal and advocacy skills.

6.1.5 Integrity, objectivity, and willingness to assert personal views and opinions.

6.1.6 Availability to attend meetings and engage fully in governance activities.

6.2 Desirable Criteria:

6.2.1 Experience of the delivery and management of education, youth work, outdoor learning, or related sectors.

6.2.2 Financial, legal, or governance expertise.

6.2.3 Fundraising, marketing, or business development experience.

6.2.4 Human resources, accountancy, project management experience.

6.2.5 Educational curriculum design and delivery, capital project management experience.

6.2.6 Health and safety and quality control and assurance procedures experience

6.2.7 Volunteer engagement and development experience

6.2.8 Lived experience or understanding of the needs and aspirations of young people.

7. Additional Information:

7.1 Trustees / Directors are appointed for a term of four years, renewable subject to board approval.

7.2 The Trustee / Director role is unpaid, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed where requested.

7.3 Training and induction will be provided for Trustees / Directors, and ongoing development opportunities supported as required.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

At PSS, everything starts with people. We work alongside individuals, families and communities to create support shaped by real lives and real voices. Our mission is simple: to help create lives beyond limits, where everyone has choice, control and a genuine sense of belonging.

And we're looking for up to four new Trustees to join our brilliant Board as we move into an exciting new chapter. With a new Chief Executive, a fresh strategic plan for 2026–2030 and lots of ambition, now is a fantastic time to get involved.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need previous board experience to apply. What matters most to us is who you are, what you care about and the perspective you bring.

We’d especially love to hear from people with experience in:

• Finance and audit
• Social care
• Commercial or market awareness
• Lived experience of services like ours

Above all, we’re looking for people who share our values – big-hearted, open-minded, genuine, professional and determined – and who believe in social justice, equity and inclusion.

What being a Trustee involves

As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the future of PSS by:

• Sitting on our Board and one of our sub-committees
• Helping guide our strategy and decision-making
• Making sure we’re safe, sustainable and true to our values
• Working in partnership with our teammates and the people we support

The time commitment is around one day a month, plus four Board meetings a year and two away days.

Why join us?

Being a Trustee at PSS is rewarding, meaningful and genuinely enjoyable. You’ll:

• Be part of a warm, supportive and values-led organisation
• Learn new skills and gain board-level experience
• Meet inspiring people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Do something you can be really proud of

Ready to find out more?

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), we’d love to hear from you.

Tall Roots is supporting us to recruit our new Trustees. Applications should be made via Tall Roots (click 'Redirect to Recruiter' to navigate to their website) and include a CV and covering letter that tells us why you want to join our Board and what you would want to bring to PSS as a Trustee.

The full candidate brief is available on Tall Roots' website, where you can you can also watch a short video to hear more about what it means to be part of PSS from some of the amazing people we support and our existing Trustees. 

We appreciate that applications can feel daunting. If you’d find it useful to speak to Mark at Tall Roots about any aspect of the roles or the process ahead of applying, please reach out direct via Tall Roots' website – he will be more than happy to help. The closing date for applications is Friday 13 February 2026.

Come and help us shape a future where everyone belongs.