Communications and membership manager volunteer roles
The Organisation
Rethink Mental Illness is a leading mental health charity in England, dedicated to supporting people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives, regardless of how challenging circumstances may feel. The charity works to create lasting change across health and social care systems, public attitudes, and the everyday experiences of people living with mental illness across the country.
People with lived experience of mental illness are central to everything Rethink Mental Illness does. Their insight shapes trusted advice, information, and more than 200 services, including housing and employment support, carer services, and legal advice. These voices also drive campaigns to challenge discrimination and influence legislative change, while their diverse experiences help ensure services are inclusive and accessible. Rethink Mental Illness believes that people severely affected by mental illness can have a good quality of life and is committed to making this a reality.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of Trustees of Rethink Mental Illness as Chair of the Audit and Assurance Committee. This role operates alongside, and does not replace, the broader responsibilities and duties of charity trusteeship.
Responsibilities of the Audit & Assurance Committee Chair
Leadership and Direction
The Chair will:
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Chair all meetings of the Audit and Assurance Committee and provide effective leadership and direction.
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Maintain a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities.
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Commit the necessary time and bring strong business, financial, communication and leadership skills.
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Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of corporate governance, accounting practices, internal control functions and risk management frameworks.
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Champion open and constructive discussion, while maintaining appropriate discipline and ensuring meetings are effective and complete their agendas.
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Be prepared to ask challenging and, where necessary, difficult questions with tenacity.
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Ensure committee members understand their responsibilities and feel able to raise matters of concern.
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Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Chair of Trustees, Vice-Chairs, Treasurer, Chief Executive and executive team, External Audit Partner and Internal Audit Lead.
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Plan the work of the committee in conjunction with the executive team, agreeing a rolling forward plan and agendas in advance of meetings.
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Review the effectiveness of each meeting, seeking feedback from members and attendees.
Governance
The Chair will:
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Ensure the committee maintains its independence and avoids assuming responsibilities beyond its remit.
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Act as the Charity’s Whistleblowing Champion, ensuring regular review of the effectiveness and operation of the Whistleblowing Policy.
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Lead oversight of external and internal audit arrangements, including appointment and performance review.
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Ensure the committee holds at least annual private sessions with the CFO, External Audit Partner, Internal Audit Lead and the Treasurer (ex-officio member).
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Promote and participate in regular formal self-assessment of the committee against appropriate professional standards.
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Ensure that the committee’s work and key issues are clearly communicated to the Board.
Development of the Committee
The Chair will:
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Work with the Honorary Officers Committee to ensure an appropriate balance of skills and experience within committee membership.
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Meet at least annually with each committee member to review engagement, gather feedback, address performance issues and identify development needs.
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Foster the right culture within the committee, encouraging constructive challenge and positive questioning.
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Ensure appropriate induction and training support is provided for both new and existing committee members.
The Person
Rethink Mental Illness is seeking individuals who can confidently balance strong commercial awareness and financial sustainability with a deep commitment to the charity’s purpose and values, bringing a thoughtful perspective that looks beyond profit alone.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
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A good understanding of the mental health sector and the wider challenges facing charities supporting people with severe mental illness.
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Strong financial literacy, with qualified accountant status desirable, and experience overseeing financial reporting, risk management, internal controls and audit.
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A strong understanding of charity governance, with experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector desirable.
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An analytical and constructive approach, with the confidence to provide appropriate challenge while supporting collaborative, values-led decision-making.
Rethink Mental Illness warmly welcomes applications from people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages and from disabled people, and actively encourages applications from groups that are underrepresented.
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to submit:
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An up-to-date CV, including details of two referees (who will not be contacted without prior permission).
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A supporting statement outlining how they meet the criteria in the person specification and their motivation for applying.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre
Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre is a community organisation and registered charity that exists to champion LGBTQ+ lives. We provide a safe, inclusive space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Our work spans direct support, connection, advocacy and celebration.
What we do
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Counselling: We offer professional counselling, including a specialised domestic abuse service, to help people navigate challenges and build resilience.
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Social and support groups: We run groups for young people, adults, trans and non-binary people, and for family members and allies. These groups create stable communities, reduce isolation and offer peer support.
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Creative and social activities: Our community choir and other creative activities provide space for expression, confidence and belonging.
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Training and advocacy: We work with schools, health providers, councils, businesses and community organisations to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion and awareness.
Our vision and direction
We envision a region where LGBTQ+ people are visible, safe and thriving. Over the next five years we will deepen our presence across Leicestershire and Rutland, improve access in areas with fewer services, and secure a permanent venue that reflects our ambitions. We will continue to co-create our offer with communities, keep services accessible, and champion equity and inclusion in everything we do.
Governance and the role of the Board
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the charity’s strategy, governance and financial health. Trustees safeguard the charity’s assets, ensure compliance with law and regulation, and work with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity is running effectively. Trustees support, challenge and advise the Senior Leadership Team in a spirit of partnership. The Chair leads the Board and ensures it functions well.
Trustees are also directors of the charitable company. We provide trustee indemnity insurance.
The role of Chair
Purpose
The Chair leads the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance, a positive culture and a shared focus on impact. The Chair works closely with the Chief Executive to ensure the organisation delivers its strategy and remains well run.
Strategic focus for the next 12 to 24 months
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Oversight of our three-year National Lottery funding programme, including delivery assurance and risk management.
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Support for regional expansion so that services reach communities across Leicestershire and Rutland in a measured and sustainable way.
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Governance oversight of venue acquisition and the preparatory work that will enable a successful opening and long-term viability.
Core responsibilities
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Provide leadership to the Board and ensure trustees discharge their duties effectively and in line with the Charity Governance Code.
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Set Board agendas with the Chief Executive, plan and chair effective meetings, and ensure clear decisions, minutes and action tracking.
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Maintain a strong, constructive relationship with the Chief Executive, including monthly one-to-ones and an annual appraisal led by the Chair with Board input.
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Ensure the Board receives timely, relevant information and is able to scrutinise performance, finance, risk and impact.
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Oversee Board composition, skills and performance, including recruitment, induction, training and periodic reviews.
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Champion an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and respected.
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Model the Centre’s values in every setting.
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Represent the Centre as an ambassador with key partners and stakeholders when appropriate.
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Approve or co-approve extraordinary funding decisions with the Treasurer where required by policy and delegations.
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Ensure statutory accounts are signed and submitted and that key reports to funders and regulators are timely and accurate.
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Manage conflicts of interest and uphold high standards of conduct.
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Hold the casting vote if a Board decision is tied.
Relationship with the Chief Executive
The Chief Executive is accountable to the Board. The Chair undertakes regular supportive one-to-ones with the Chief Executive and leads their annual appraisal. The Chair works with the Chief Executive to set clear priorities, manage risk and unlock barriers to delivery.
Time commitment and meeting pattern
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Estimated at a maximum of two to three days per month. This includes preparation, meetings and ambassadorial duties.
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Maximum of six Board meetings per year. Meetings are held in person at The Centre.
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Monthly Chair and Chief Executive one-to-one meetings.
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Quarterly committee and working sessions may be convened as needed for finance, risk, governance or venue planning. The Chair provides oversight across these areas.
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An annual strategy and reflection session with trustees and senior staff.
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Attendance at key public events, including Pride and major Centre occasions.
Person specification
Essential
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Commitment to the mission, values and future direction of Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre.
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Inclusive leadership with the ability to chair purposeful meetings and to build consensus.
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Experience as a vice-chair, committee chair or equivalent governance role.
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Good understanding of charity governance, finance and risk.
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Sound judgement, integrity and the confidence to hold senior leaders to account while providing support.
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Strong communication skills and the ability to represent the Centre externally.
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Lived experience of LGBTQ+ issues or strong allyship and understanding of the challenges our communities face.
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Knowledge of equity, inclusion and social justice and how these principles are applied in governance and organisational development.
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Direct knowledge of or links to Leicester and Leicestershire.
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Availability for the stated time commitment and for key Centre events.
Desirable
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Prior experience as a charity chair.
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Understanding of venue development or capital projects.
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Local residency or the ability to attend meetings in person. Non-local candidates will be considered if they can meet in-person requirements and demonstrate strong regional commitment.
Eligibility, safeguarding and conduct
Trustees must be at least 16 and not disqualified under charity law. The role is subject to two satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. A short code of conduct applies to all trustees. Conflicts of interest must be declared at appointment and kept up to date. A whistleblowing route is in place.
What we offer
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A purposeful leadership role with visible impact for LGBTQ+ people across the region.
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A collaborative Board and staff team with a positive culture.
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A tailored induction. Briefings will be arranged with the Chief Executive, Centre Manager and staff leads. A handover meeting with the outgoing Chair will be provided.
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Access to training and development relevant to the role.
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Opportunities to represent the Centre at events, build networks and celebrate our community, including Pride.
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Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed in line with policy.
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Membership of the Association of Chairs
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We warmly encourage applications from trans and non-binary people, people of colour, disabled people and those from other underrepresented groups. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and to removing barriers. Interviews can be adapted to meet access needs. Meeting venues are step-free. Papers can be provided in accessible formats on request. Please tell us what you need and we will do our best to provide it.
Privacy notice
Your application will be used for recruitment purposes only and handled in line with our data protection policy. We will retain applicant data for a limited period and then delete it securely. If you would like your data deleted sooner, please let us know.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The Role
Welcome Hosts help us create a great first impression. They’re on hand to provide a warm welcome and help visitors make the most of their day. Whether it’s pointing visitors in the right direction or letting them know what’s on today you will be encouraging our visitors to make the most of their visit to Slimbridge centre, and to understand our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people.
At WWT we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. At Slimbridge Wetland Centre visitors can explore unique wetland habitats and the amazing array of birds, mammals and amphibians that inhabit them. Our volunteers help to welcome and inspire visitors, and look after our unique habitats and heritage. Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and leave us a message with your name and number.
Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts.
About You
This role will suit you if you:
- Are confident and pro-active in approaching people
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Enjoy being part of a friendly team
- Commitment to excellent customer service
- Have an interest in the natural environment
- Are happy using a computer/till
- Like working in a busy visitor environment
We are particularly looking for people that are available to help on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note, this role is not suitable for Under 18's.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you'll love volunteering at WWT
- Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
- Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
- Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life
Time commitment: You can pick from full-day (9.15am until 4pm) or half-day (9.15am-1pm or 1-4pm) sessions. Or speak to your volunteering manager if different hours would better suit your circumstances. We are currently looking for volunteers on Saturdays or Sundays. A minimum commitment of once a fortnight is preferred.
For more information on this role, and others, and to apply pleasse visit our webpage.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Organisation
The 5% Club is a national dynamic movement of employers committed to “Earn and Learn” as part of building and developing the workforce they need for a socially mobile, prosperous and cohesive nation. We exist to help our Members and all employers increase further the number, quality and range of Earn and Learn opportunities across the UK. By joining The 5% Club, our Members aspire to achieve 5% of their workforce in Earn and Learn positions (including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes) within five years of joining.
The 5% Club now represents over 1250 organisations with 2m employees, of which almost 121,000 are in on-the-job training – an average, of more than 6?ross the movement. Our mission is rooted in employers taking a proactive role in addressing the UK’s critical skills challenges. It’s about developing people with the right skills to forge meaningful career paths and its members represent some of the gold standards of training and skills development.
We want roles such as apprenticeships, sponsored student placements, graduate programmes and upskilling to be accessible to all. By “all,” we mean the spectrum of Britain’s social diversity – racial, cultural, gender, age, background and more. The end goal is to drive up shared prosperity in the country by enlisting all manner of organisation sizes (from SMEs, for whom “5%” means one person – to FTSE100 household names employing tens of thousands) as Members, who then sign the Charter committing to building a workforce with at least 5% of their employees in Earn and Learn roles.
The 5% Club has strong connections to the Government, industry bodies and education partners and this plays a huge part in advocacy and change.
To find out more about what we do, visit our website.
The Role
The Chair of the Board provides strategic leadership to the charity, ensuring it is well governed, financially sustainable, and delivering meaningful impact for its beneficiaries. The role requires an experienced and collaborative leader who can support the Chief Executive, guide the Board, and uphold the highest standards of charity governance.
Key responsibilities
Governance Leadership
- Lead the Board in ensuring the charity fulfils its mission, complies with its governing document, and meets all legal and regulatory requirements (including Charity Commission expectations).
- Ensure the Board operates effectively, with the right balance of skills, diversity, and experience. Lead regular Board effectiveness reviews and support ongoing trustee development.
- Uphold the principles of good governance, encouraging constructive challenge, accountability, and high ethical standards.
Strategic Oversight
- Work with trustees and the Chief Executive to set the charity’s long-term vision, strategy, and priorities.
- Ensure appropriate systems are in place to monitor performance, impact, and risk. Oversee the quality of impact reporting, ensuring the charity communicates its outcomes effectively.
- Champion organisational learning, innovation, and responsiveness to change in the external environment.
Supporting and Challenging the Chief Executive
- Provide support, guidance, and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive.
- Maintain a strong, transparent, and trusting working relationship with the Chief Executive.
- Undertake formal annual appraisal of the Chief Executive and ensure the Board supports their performance and development.
- Act as the Chief Executive’s point of escalation for urgent or exceptional decisions requiring Chair involvement.
Board Leadership & Culture
- Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring inclusive and balanced discussions and clear decisions.
- Ensure committees function effectively and are properly delegated while maintaining appropriate oversight.
- Build a collaborative board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and maintaining a focus on beneficiaries. Lead succession planning across the Board – and supporting Committees – and ensure recruitment reflects diversity and skill needs.
- Lead trustee recruitment, induction, and succession planning (except for the recruitment of a new Chair).
External Representation
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, representing it with key stakeholders, funders, partners, regulators, and the media (as appropriate).
- Support the Chief Executive and senior team in relationship-building with donors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
- Promote the charity’s reputation and influence within relevant sectors. Represent the Charity in policy, advocacy and employer-facing forums where appropriate.
Risk, Finance & Compliance
- Ensure robust financial oversight, including budgeting, audit, reserves, and investment policies.
- Oversee risk management and ensure the Board receives timely information to make informed decisions.
- Ensure the charity maintains high standards in safeguarding, health & safety, data protection, and other statutory areas. Provide assurance over internal control systems and review the annual report and accounts prior to approval.
The Person
We are seeking an individual with substantial senior leadership experience, ideally a current or former business leader within an employer organisation, and prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, non-profit organisation, or charity. Experience in environments involving policy engagement or multistakeholder representation would be advantageous.
Essential Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience in a business, employer organisation, or large operational environment.
- Prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, charity, or non-profit.
- Experience of organisational governance, strategic planning, and risk oversight.
- Experience supporting or overseeing a Chief Executive or senior leadership team.
- Demonstrable experience building high-performing boards or teams.
- Experience engaging with Government, regulators, or policy-influencing environments.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in the charity sector, voluntary or community work, or public service.
- Experience with fundraising, commissioning, or managing external partnerships.
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., Charity Commission guidance, safeguarding,data protection).
- Experience within a membership organisation or skills/employability-focused sector.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate insight into practical direction.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to chair meetings effectively and foster inclusive discussion.
- Integrity, independence of mind, and sound judgement.
- Ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Confidence in ambassadorial and stakeholder-facing roles, including ability to represent the organisation publicly, including handling media or public scrutiny if required.
Personal Attributes
- Genuine alignment with the charity’s mission and values.
- Collaborative, supportive, and low-ego leadership style.
- Ability to challenge constructively and hold others to account.
- Resilient, calm under pressure, and capable of navigating ambiguity.
- High ethical standards and commitment to trusteeship responsibilities.
- Comfortable operating in high-visibility environments and representing the charity in national settings.
About Proteus
Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.
The Role
Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.
Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.
Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.
Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.
Who Proteus is Looking For
Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.
Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.
Trustee Responsibilities
Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:
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Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.
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Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.
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Support fundraising activities where possible.
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Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.
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Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.
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Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.
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Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.
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Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.
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Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Exeter (hybrid options available)
Hours: Flexible
Term: Three-year periods
Type: Voluntary
Help shape the future of specialist education for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.
At InFocus, we believe everyone deserves to live life to the full, with choice, control, and meaningful opportunities. We support young people who face significant barriers due to vision impairment combined with additional disabilities, helping each individual follow their own pathway towards independence and fulfilment.
We’re now looking for a Volunteer Trustee with strong experience in special education to help guide and strengthen our specialist FE College.
What the role involves
In addition to the standard responsibilities of a trustee, you will:
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Focus on the delivery and development of post-16 education for learners with vision impairment and complex needs
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Scrutinise the quality of teaching and learning
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Provide constructive challenge and professional insight as part of our Education Advisory Committee
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Work closely with our College Principal to champion high-quality, person-centred education
This opportunity would suit someone with experience as:
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A senior leader within a SEND provision
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A headteacher or principal
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A SEND improvement partner
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An Ofsted inspector
Our Board meets seven times a year, with optional invitations to events and celebrations. Trustees are encouraged to attend in person, though online attendance is possible where needed. Travel expenses are covered, and overnight accommodation can be arranged for trustees living outside Devon.
Short on time? Advisory Member roles available
If you’d like to share your expertise without taking on full trustee responsibilities, consider joining us as an Advisory Member. Advisory Members sit on committees and offer specialist knowledge without the full governance role.
We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of our work. We are also seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees.
We are looking for dedicated, creative people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience to join the Age UK Stockport Board of Trustees.
Being a trustee or Chair of any charity, including ours, is to be an active volunteer in your community. Like any volunteer involved in our work, our aim is for you to enjoy what you do with us, know how you contribute towards our work and see the positive impact that you have on people’s lives.
But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but rewarding, and a big responsibility. Trustees have collective legal responsibilities – you work together for the best interests of Age UK Stockport and for the people in later life we work with across the borough. We will tell you more about these responsibilities elsewhere in the pack.
If you’re passionate about supporting everyone to make the most of their later life, and you have the skills and experience to help shape and guide our organisation to achieve our vision, we’d like to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.