Children and youth development officer volunteer roles

Trustee vacancy - Youth Development / Education Specialist

The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is appointing a specialist trustee to strengthen our Board’s insight into what helps teenagers flourish through exceptional arts and music opportunities.

We welcome applications from people with experience in secondary education, youth-focused arts organisations, youth services, or programmes within the music education sector (or closely related fields). Knowledge of secondary education policy and networks is particularly desirable.

About NYO

NYO is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We exist to empower teenage musicians, developing their confidence, skills and leadership through world-class orchestral experiences, and over the next decade we aim to build a significantly larger, more inclusive national community of young musicians.

The Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to influence how NYO listens to and works with young people. You will:

• Bring insight into the realities teenagers face today, including barriers to participation and progression, and what helps young people thrive in arts and education settings.
• Help develop NYO’s approach to youth voice, including meaningful input into decisions, agency, ambassadorship and leadership opportunities.
• Contribute to Board-level safeguarding oversight, particularly in large-scale youth projects and residential environments.
• Support strategic thinking about inclusion, participation and progression, recognising the importance of next-step opportunities when a teenager finds something they love.

We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and those based outside London. All appointments will be made on merit.

Deadline for applications: Monday 23 February 2026.

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.
 

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

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

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

Why join us?

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

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

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

Requirments 

Essential Criteria

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

Desirable Criteria:

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

Personal Attributes 

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

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

Responsibilities:

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

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.

YES is seeking a Trustee Treasurer to join our Board and provide strategic financial
oversight, supporting the charity’s sustainability and continued impact for children and
young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for governance and strategic
direction. As Treasurer, you will act as the Board’s lead for finance, offering informed
oversight, guidance, and constructive challenge, drawing on your professional finance
or accountancy experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Board’s lead Trustee for finance.
• Support the development and oversight of financial strategy, budgets, and financial controls.
• Provide scrutiny and challenge in relation to financial reporting, processes, and risk.
• Ensure the Board is informed of relevant financial regulation, compliance, and best practice.
• Contribute a financial perspective to Board discussions and organisational decision-making.

About You

You will bring relevant financial management experience (ideally with an accountancy
qualification), strong communication skills, and a commitment to good governance.
You will be confident working collaboratively and providing constructive challenge.
Previous trustee or charity sector 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.

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

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.
 

Join our team to help make sure children, young people and vulnerable adults are always protected and can participate fully in the life of the church.

The Team Safeguarding Officer plays a vital role in building a strong safeguarding culture across our 16 churches. They are the key link between the central Safeguarding Team, local clergy and churches concerning safeguarding matters. They will have an overview of all church activities involving children, young people and vulnerable adults, working closely with Parish Safeguarding Officers to implement safeguarding policy. 

The key aspects of the role are:

• Safeguarding point of contact: Respond well to safeguarding concerns or disclosures and, with the Team Rector or Team Vicars as appropriate, refer them to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team and relevant statutory agencies.

• DBS and training oversight: Ensure staff and volunteers have up-to-date DBS checks and safeguarding training recorded and monitored within the Safeguarding Hub.

• Promote good practice: Uphold Church of England safeguarding policies and guidance 

• Trustee engagement: Keep the Team Council and PCC (Parochial Church Council) members informed about safeguarding developments and risks.

• Compliance and safer recruitment: Use online tools such as Safeguarding Hubs and Dashboards to support compliance.

The role of the Team Safeguarding Officer does not need to be fulfilled by one individual and instead could be shared, with one person taking an outward facing lead (e.g. named point of contact) and another focussing on administrative functions (e.g. managing DBS and training)

About You

We are looking for one or more people who can fulfil some or all of these aspects:

• Approachable and trustworthy, able to listen and respond sensitively to concerns.

• Organised and detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records.

• Committed to safeguarding and willing to champion best practice across the parish.

• Willing to learn online tools such as Safeguarding Hubs and Dashboards.

The role requires an Enhanced Adult & Child DBS with Barring and is subject to the Church of England’s Safer Recruitment process and leadership level safeguarding training. You will be supported by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, an out of hours service and your local clergy.

Lead the future of a well-established charity making a real difference for young people in Plymouth. The Zone Plymouth is seeking a visionary Chair of Trustees to guide strategy, inspire leadership, and shape services that change lives.

The Zone Plymouth is an established and well-respected local charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people aged 13–25. Operating in Plymouth for over 35 years, the charity delivers a range of commissioned services in partnership with other agencies, including sexual health, mental health, homelessness prevention, targeted school-based support for emotional health and substance use, and interagency support for young people in or leaving care.

With 24 staff (17.5 FTE) and 36 volunteers, The Zone has a strong foundation and is well positioned to leverage its strengths to achieve its long-term ambitions. While navigating challenges such as cultural change, income diversification, and skills development, there are exciting opportunities to strengthen leadership, expand funding streams, and raise the charity’s profile across Plymouth. The next two to three years offer substantial potential for growth, where thoughtful planning, decisive action, and collaborative leadership can secure a vibrant, resilient, and enduring future.

About the Role

The Chair of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and guidance to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively, meets its legal and regulatory obligations, and supports the charity to deliver meaningful outcomes for young people in Plymouth. This voluntary role is central to shaping the strategic direction of the charity, fostering a positive culture, and holding the senior team accountable.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure the Board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively, and duties are carried out in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Lead the Board in setting the charity’s strategic direction, creating a positive organisational culture, and holding staff accountable.

• Support recruitment, induction, and development of Trustees, promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Line-manage and support the CEO, providing constructive challenge and oversight.

• Liaise with the Secretary to arrange meetings, set agendas, and chair meetings to ensure they are well-run and focused.

• Approve the annual operations/business plan, budget, and risk management plan, and monitor progress against these.

• Monitor Board decisions and agreed actions to ensure implementation in a timely manner.

• Build strong, positive relationships with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and external stakeholders.

• Act as an ambassador for The Zone, representing its values and interests in the community.

Your Ideal Candidate

Essential Qualities:

• Strong commitment to improving the lives of young people in Plymouth.

• Proven leadership skills, with experience chairing meetings, building consensus, and guiding complex discussions to clear decisions.

• Familiarity with challenges facing young people and small charities, and understanding of trustee responsibilities and charity governance.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage with young people, staff, and stakeholders.

• Strategic thinker capable of guiding the delivery of long-term sustainable services.

• Integrity, impartiality, sound judgment, and awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion objectives.

Desirable Qualities:

• Prior experience as a trustee or board member.

• Knowledge of youth services, education, health, or community development.

• Local connections in Plymouth and surrounding areas.

• Experience of fundraising, advocacy, or partnership working.

Help shape the future of youth gaming and gambling-related harm prevention by becoming the Chair of Trustees of Ygam, an evidence-led charity.

About Ygam

Ygam is a national charity with a clear mission: to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research. Our award-winning workshops are assured by City & Guilds and informed by psychologists, academics and health professionals alongside people with lived experience.

Founded in 2014, Ygam has evolved into the UK’s leading charity in this area, delivering impact-focused training and education across the UK to those in positions of influence over children and young people.

Over the past decade, Ygam has trained over 28,000 delegates and reached an estimated 4.3 million children and young people. With 95% of delegates recommending our training, we’re making real progress in safeguarding our digital generation.

The opportunity

We are in the third year of our “Safeguarding our Digital Generation” strategy, and we will begin the process to appoint our new Chief Executive later this year. As our current Chair comes to the end of their term this year, we are looking for a visionary leader to join our board and help shape the future of harm prevention.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the board at a critical time when digital safeguarding has never been more important.

We seek a Chair who will play a pivotal role in leading our Board and guiding the development of our new strategy in the years to come. This position requires an individual with a track record of board experience and strategic acumen to help drive Ygam’s ambitious growth plans.

Who we are looking for

We believe that diverse experiences and perspectives are crucial to effective governance. The digital challenges facing young people today are complex and interconnected, requiring a broad perspective that can view issues through multiple lenses.

We are looking for a Chair with a track record of board appointments who can guide strategic discussions, collaborate with our board, build relationships that are both supportive and challenging, and serve as an ambassador for Ygam.

This role requires someone who can balance strategic oversight with a desire to lead a best practice board to ensure Ygam continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges.

Location: London

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at: 9 a.m. Monday 2nd March 2026

Make a difference – become a school governor

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

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

The Pirate Castle is a buzzing charity based in the heart of Camden.  From our iconic castle base we offer boating, kayaking and canoeing as well as community space to hire.  As we enter our 60th anniversary year, we are looking for a Company Secretary for our engaged trustee board to minute our meetings and to lead on governance and compliance matters.  We look forward to hearing from candidates with governance experience who are keen to contribute to the future of a well-loved community charity as it reaches a major milestone.

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 

Join Chailey Heritage Foundation as a Trustee and help shape the future for children and young people living with complex disabilities.

Applications close: Monday 2nd March 2026

Location: North Chailey, Lewes, Sussex, BN8 4EF

Time commitment: c.1 day per month

About Chailey Heritage Foundation

For over a century, Chailey Heritage Foundation has been a beacon of support for children and young people living with complex disabilities.

We’re a vibrant community in Sussex bringing together an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school, welcoming residential homes and a specialist centre with therapies including gym and art therapy, alongside a farm and café. Our expert teams work with time, patience and curiosity to nurture every child and young person’s potential.

Every day we see extraordinary outcomes — a child using assistive technology to communicate for the first time, a young adult building confidence towards greater independence, or a family finding the specialist support they need to navigate a world that can feel inaccessible. Strong governance underpins these outcomes, ensuring we stay resilient, ambitious and focused on what matters most.

About the roles

A board for the future

With the launch of our new five-year strategy and planned retirements over the coming period, we’re expanding our board. We’re looking to appoint two new Trustees, with backgrounds in finance and people/organisation design, who will help guide Chailey Heritage Foundation through this next chapter.

The role of a trustee

Trustees play a vital role in shaping our strategic direction, maintaining high standards of care and education and ensuring our long-term sustainability. This is an important time for the sector, as education, health and social care continue to evolve.

We are seeking Trustees who bring insight, leadership and constructive challenge, alongside a strong commitment to our mission.

Who we are looking for

• Trustee to join our People & Culture Committee

We’re seeking a Trustee to join our People & Culture Committee and help shape the heart of our organisation. This role is suited to someone with broad organisational leadership experience and a strong understanding of people-related challenges and the strategic approaches required to address them, rather than a purely functional background.

You will bring current expertise in organisational development and design, with a strong track record in people leadership, culture and values-led change. You’ll support the board and executive team to build and sustain a thriving workplace where colleagues are supported to do their best work. You’ll also help us attract, develop and retain the talent we need to deliver outstanding support to the children and young people.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive and our Executive Director of People & Culture, providing oversight, challenge and guidance on our people strategy, leadership and organisational culture.

• Trustee with Financial expertise (to join our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee)

Alongside this, we’re looking to appoint a Trustee with strong financial expertise: a qualified accountant with senior leadership experience, able to provide thoughtful oversight, constructive challenge and practical support to the board.

You’ll join our Finance, Audit & Risk Sub-Committee, chaired by our Treasurer and work closely with our Resources Director (who reports to the Chief Executive) and fellow Trustees to strengthen financial resilience and governance.

Join us

We understand that joining a board is a significant commitment which is why we offer a comprehensive induction programme and ongoing support.

You will be joining a highly engaged group of professionals working together to ensure Chailey Heritage Foundation continues to make a life-changing impact.

If you believe in what we do and want to use your skills to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Whether you are an experienced Trustee or considering your first board role, we encourage applications from individuals who share our commitment to enabling children and young people with complex disabilities to thrive.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 2nd March 2026