Chief executive officer for disabled children charity volunteer roles

The Vavengers

Trustee Recruitment Pack

About The Vavengers

We are The Vavengers, a survivor-led movement working to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and intersecting Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Founded in 2014 and registered as a CIO in 2019, The Vavengers connect, campaign and convene, working across communities, policy spaces and creative platforms to amplify survivor voices, challenge harmful norms and build safer futures for women and girls.

Alongside our staff team, The Vavengers mobilises to support our policy and advocacy work, communications, events, fundraising, and a wide network of volunteer advisors and ambassadors, activists and pro bono professional wellbeing support.

Our values are:

• Survivor-led

• Bold

• Creative

• Collaborative

• Activist

• Resilient

The Vavengers is a proud Living Wage Employer, Certified Halo Workplace and member of the Sunflower Network for Hidden Disabilities.

About The Vavengers Trustee role

Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of The Vavengers.

As Trustee terms come to an end, we are seeking a number of new Board members.  Our Board of Trustees plays a vital role in supporting the organisation’s sustainability, accountability and long-term development.

As a small charity, our Board also provides vital support to the CEO and small team, including providing specialist expertise in areas such as fundraising, Human Resources, charity finance, events and volunteer management.

We are committed to building a Board culture that is collaborative, inclusive, reflective and grounded in mutual respect.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking trustees from a wide range of backgrounds, lived experiences and professional expertise, as well as specialist legal and finance (Treasurer) Trustees.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience aligned to our mission and from communities currently underrepresented in charity governance.

We are especially interested in individuals who bring:

• emotional intelligence,

• collaborative leadership,

• strategic thinking,

• commitment to social justice,

• and a willingness to learn and contribute actively.

We recognise that valuable governance contributions can come through lived experience, community leadership and professional expertise.

Trustee Responsibilities

All trustees share collective responsibility for ensuring the charity:

• pursues its charitable objectives,

• complies with legal and regulatory requirements,

• manages resources responsibly,

• protects its reputation and sustainability,

• and delivers public benefit.

Trustees are expected to:

• Attend and contribute to Board meetings.

• Prepare appropriately for meetings and discussions.

• Provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge.

• Uphold the values and reputation of The Vavengers.

• Act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Support a healthy, inclusive and accountable organisational culture.

• Champion safeguarding and ethical practice.

• Support fundraising, partnerships and advocacy where appropriate.

• Leverage networks and expertise to support the organisation’s development.

What We Are Looking For in All Trustees

All candidates should demonstrate:

• Personal integrity and sound judgement.

• Commitment to robust governance and accountability.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• A leadership style grounded in empathy, collaboration and accountability.

• Commitment to ending FGM and all forms of Gender-Based Violence.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion and anti-oppressive practice.

• Ability to work constructively and respectfully with others.

• Willingness to learn and contribute actively.

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

Your Commitment

As a Trustee, you will commit to:

• attending four Board meetings per year (one meeting per year will be in person)

• preparing appropriately for meetings,

• contributing actively to governance discussions,

• possible committee participation,

• and providing occasional ad hoc support where appropriate.

Knowledge of charity finance and the Charities SORP would be advantageous but is not essential.

Time Commitment

• Four Board meetings per year (one will be in person).

• Some ad hoc support between meetings.

We are particularly interested in candidates with professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

• human rights,

• immigration and asylum,

• employment and equality,

• media and communications,

• risk and compliance,

• data protection,

• safeguarding.

We are especially interested in individuals who are motivated by protecting survivor voices and supporting values-led organisations to navigate complex environments safely and effectively.

What We Offer

In return, we offer:

• a comprehensive induction,

• ongoing support and development,

• the opportunity to work alongside an extraordinary team of staff, ambassadors and volunteers,

• the opportunity to contribute to a bold and growing survivor-led movement,

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Vavengers is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve.

We particularly welcome applications from:

• survivors,

• Black and minoritised communities,

• migrant and refugee communities,

• disabled people,

• LGBTQ+ individuals,

• and people whose voices are underrepresented in charity governance.

We recognise lived experience, community leadership and non-traditional career pathways as valuable forms of expertise.

Safeguarding

The Vavengers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who engages with the organisation.

All trustees are expected to uphold and actively champion a strong safeguarding culture.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• a CV 

• and a short statement outlining your interest in the role and the contribution you feel you could make to The Vavengers (maximum one page)

We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

—

"When women and girls rise, we all thrive."

The Vavengers is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England and Wales | Registration number: 1184202 | The Vavengers Headquarters: 59-60 Cornhill House, First Floor, London EC3V 3PD United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

nclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Canterbury Cathedral to appoint a Non-Executive Member of Chapter and Lay Canon with expertise in Safeguarding.

About Canterbury Cathedral

Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD, Canterbury Cathedral is a unique place of worship, a major pilgrimage destination, a masterpiece of art and architecture, and one of the UK’s most-visited historic sites. Often referred to as ‘England in stone’, the Cathedral has been at the centre of momentous events and upheavals. It is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and resting place of royalty and saints.

Chapter is the body corporate of Canterbury Cathedral. Its members have the general control and management of the administration of the Cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral became a full charity in February 2024 (under the Cathedrals Measure 2021) and as well as being regulated by the Church Commissioners, will also be regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

About the Role of Member of Chapter and Lay Canon

Chapter members play a vital and strategic role in maintaining the Christian vision and mission of the Cathedral, as well as its corporate governance.

All Chapter members must either be an actual communicant (within the meaning given in Rule 83(2) of the Church of England’s Church Representation Rules) or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. An “actual communicant member” of the Church of England is legally defined as a baptized person who is confirmed (or ready to be confirmed) and has received Holy Communion at least three times in the preceding twelve months. 

Person Specification

In this recruitment campaign we are seeking to appoint one member of Chapter and Lay Canon. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who have a safeguarding background, with knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy and practice that encompasses both adults and children.

We are also seeking candidates who:

• Are committed to the Cathedral’s Christian vision, mission and ministry. 
• Are able to reflect the ethos set out in the Nolan Principles within our charitable context.
• Show demonstrable strategic leadership and management skills and able to provide effective strategic guidance.
• Have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad based and long term view of strategic and organisational goals.
• Possess the highest levels of trust and integrity. 
• Have the ability to gain the trust, respect and support of fellow members of Chapter and the wider Cathedral community.
• Are able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues.
• Are able to voice concerns appropriately in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively.
• Have knowledge of principles and processes in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of relating well to diverse stakeholder groups.

Canterbury Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Please visit Inclusive Boards' website for more information and to apply.