Communications project support officer volunteer roles
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!
Role Description
Are you passionate about changing the way we treat animals? Do you want to help reduce environmental damage? Do you want to inspire people to enjoy healthy vegan food that both looks good and tastes great?
The Vegan Society aims to make veganism more accessible. We help people to adopt a vegan lifestyle by supporting individuals, policy- and decision-makers, caterers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals and the media.
Why do we need you?
Our nutrition team consists of two registered dietitians (we are currently recruiting for the second role). Our small team provides up-to-date nutrition and health resources on our website and evidence-based nutrition and health information for the charity’s campaigns. We also answer questions relating to vegan health and nutrition from the general public, the vegan community, caterers, and health and nutrition professionals via phone calls, email and post.
Other areas of responsibility include attending events and giving talks on the latest vegan health and nutrition topics, writing articles, and speaking to the media about vegan health and nutrition. We are also responsible for developing recipes and blogs for various projects.
We are a busy team and the support of a pharmacy volunteer would be invaluable.
What does the role involve?
We are looking for a volunteer who is a pharmacist or has a pharmaceutical background to support our nutrition team to handle medicine queries on an ad hoc basis.
The specific tasks we would like the volunteer to take on are:
- Collating and responding to medicine-related queries for a number of health conditions, including, but not limited to, osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anaemia, the menopause and thyroid disorders.
- Researching ingredients and contacting manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies to find products suitable for vegans or without animal ingredients.
- Comparing medicines suitable for vegans versus those containing animal-derived ingredients (e.g. side-effects, ingredients, costs).
What training and support are available?
The ideal candidate for this role will be someone with competency in pharmacy and responding to enquiries, so training in these areas would not be required. However, we are always willing to invite volunteers along to staff training when possible and to deliver training on specific skills inhouse, as identified throughout volunteering. This role is remote and therefore support from the Dietitian will be available through email and phone calls as required. Monthly or quarterly reviews with the Volunteering and Engagement Officer will also be conducted to ensure the volunteer is happy in their role.
What skills would be useful in doing this role?
- Trained pharmacist or pharmaceutical background
- Competency in Microsoft Office
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- An awareness and knowledge of vegan current affairs
- Confidence to communicate any training or support needs
- Ability to work independently
What does my availability need to be?
We are looking for someone who is available for one to two hours a week on a regular basis. These hours are flexible, but we would expect you to respond to public enquiries within three to five working days to meet the expectations of our supporters.
Who does this role report to?
Emily Angus, Dietitian
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
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!
Project: New Member Onboarding Process Design
Volunteer, Remote
We are Bees Abroad, working to enable communities to empower themselves, through sustainable beekeeping. Together with local beekeeper trainers and organisations we educate, guide, and mentor communities in local best practices in Beekeeping, business creation, and protecting the environment.
Whilst we are a small charity, we drive a lot of impact and have great ambition. We are currently going through a growth period and are looking for a HR or UX specialist to help us improve our Onboarding process for new volunteers.
The individual will be working closely with our CEO and be responsible for designing and implementing a formal onboarding process for new Bees Abroad team members.
You should be well organised, proactive, and work well both solo and within a small, remote team.
Responsibilities:
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Process Design: Research, evaluate and design a formal onboarding process for new volunteers. This will include interviewing new and older team members, as well as understanding our complete operating structure, tools and other processes that new members need to become familiar with.
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Process Implementation: Implement tools that will help us deliver smooth and successful onboarding for new volunteers joining Bees Abroad.
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Policy Implementation: Support with updating the tools used to implement our policies efficiently and in the most user-friendly manner.
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Documentation: Collate any necessary documentation and manuals for use by Bees Abroad HR team in the future.
Skills & Experience:
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UX Design/HR Processes: Experience implementing User journeys and experiences, service design or HR Onboarding in other teams
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Technical Skills: Experience using automation tools, Microsoft Suite and Notion. Experience using AI tools is welcome.
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Collaboration: Excellent written, verbal and phone communication skills. Experience working in a team, with strong sense of autonomy and accountability towards team members.
Please only apply if you are serious about this role and have previous experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
If you care about equity in the arts, believe creative talent should thrive in Bradford, and want to play a part in shaping cultural change locally and nationally, we’d love to hear from you.
Bradford Producing Hub is an artist-led charity working to dismantle barriers in the arts and build more equitable systems in their place. Our vision is a just and joyful cultural future – powered by people, rooted in place, and open to all.
We support artists and creatives through development programmes, sector advocacy and strategic partnerships. We work locally in Bradford and influence nationally.
Who we’re looking for
We’re particularly interested in people with experience in:
- Chairing, or an interest in developing into a future Chair role
- Arts and cultural leadership
- Being an independent artist or creative practitioner
- Charity finance and accountancy
- Fundraising and charitable giving
- HR or legal practice
- Heritage, cultural building management and/or capital development
If you don’t have the specific experience listed above, but your values and outlook closely align with the work of Bradford Producing Hub, we’re very much interested in hearing from you.
We are also actively seeking voices that represent the Bradford district, and we particularly welcome applications from people from the Global Majority*, including Black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities who are underrepresented in arts leadership and governance. We equally welcome applications from people who are LGBTQIA+, disabled**, and/or from working-class or low socio-economic backgrounds.
We are committed not only to diversifying representation, but to ensuring trustees feel valued, heard and able to shape decisions meaningfully. BPH is radical, kind, equity-driven and community-spirited. We are committed to anti-racist and anti-ableist practice, recognising that structural racism and ableism continue to shape the arts sector. We are actively working to challenge this within our governance and partnerships, and we expect trustees to share that commitment.
We know that joining a board can feel daunting, particularly where governance spaces have not always felt welcoming. We are committed to providing induction, support and space for all trustees to contribute confidently and meaningfully.
If you have ever looked at arts leadership and felt it did not reflect you, this is an invitation to help change that.
What does being a trustee involve?
Trustees shape our long-term strategy, influence cultural policy, and hold the organisation to account in line with our charitable aims.
You don’t need previous board experience. Collective leadership at BPH is built on shared responsibility, openness and learning together. We provide induction and ongoing development and training.
Commitment includes:
- Around four board meetings per year
- Preparation and reading in advance
- Occasional additional support or sub-group involvement
While the role is unpaid, we cover expenses and provide a role that offers valuable non-executive directorial experience, which includes:
- Professional skills development contributing to career enhancement
- Personal fulfilment through volunteering your time and expertise to an organisation you value, supporting it to realise its goals
- Expanding your professional network while working with like-minded people to support the creative and cultural sector in Bradford
If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please read the ‘recruitment pack’ here before applying.
How to apply
To apply, please email your application
- A summary of your experience (this can be a CV or short document)
- A letter explaining why you’re interested and how your skills align with the role
- Written, audio or video formats are all welcome
- If you have any access requirements at any stage, please let us know when emailing us.
Applications close: Monday 23 March 2026 at 11 PM
Interviews: Week commencing 30 March 2026
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!
Closing Date:
We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.
The Role:
We are currently seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board as Treasurer. It’s a voluntary role that requires a committed individual with financial expertise to take a collaborative approach, supporting our Trustees, our Head of Finance and Governance, and our management team to oversee the financial affairs of our charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.
Our Organisation:
Greener and Cleaner delivers locally but thinks, and influences, nationally. Our vision is greener, healthier, better connected communities across the UK. We seek to achieve this through normalising 360-degree sustainable living, bringing the community together to make changes that can deliver a big impact. We have a non-judgemental peer-to-peer approach, so that all elements of the community feel empowered to take action in how they live, work, and play and in how they use their voice to push for change.
Treasurer Role:
The primary role is to ensure alongside other Trustees that they accept ultimate responsibility for the affairs of G&C and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it has been set up. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls, and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.
- Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements, as produced by the finance team or others where appropriate, to the Board of Trustees
- Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
- Liaising with any paid staff about financial matters, as appropriate.
- Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
- Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems.
- Drawing any major financial concerns to the attention of the trustee and the management team.
- Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
- Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that investments and assets are maximised.
- Leading on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating, and reporting corporate risk.
- Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies – for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
- Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
- Supporting other Trustees in understanding the charity’s financial position and decision making.
- Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the charity and its ethical fundraising policy.
- Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.
The Person We’re Looking For:
- A finance professional with a firm understanding of charity finance and some experience of fundraising and pension schemes.
- Knowledge of charity fundraising, bid writing, and/or other income generation and/or securing funding through creation or leveraging of partnerships and networks (at a national or local level).
- A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
- Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
- Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.
In addition, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.
Responsibilities of All Trustees:
- Demonstrating a commitment to G&C’s objectives
- Contributing to setting the strategic goals and monitoring performance by active participation in Board discussions and decision-making
- Actively assisting the charity to build their connections and partnerships for the purposes of most effectively delivering their goals and fundraising
- Ensuring that G&C complies with its governing documents, the law, and all other relevant documentation
- Helping to identify risks and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
- Helping the Board to make sound decisions by making available their own personal knowledge and experience
- Assisting the Chair to appoint and appraise the performance of the Senior Leadership Team members
- Sharing relevant skills and expertise with the Senior Leadership Team members
- Making all reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, away days, development meetings, publicity events, and other such public functions as requested by the Chair
- Ensuring the charity’s focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion remains at the heart of its strategy and delivery
Trustee Person Specification:
In addition to the Treasurer role specific above, our Trustees will ideally also demonstrate the following:
- A commitment to the objectives and activities of G&C
- A willingness to devote time and effort to G&C beyond attending board meetings
- Have strategic vision, an ability to think creatively, and an appropriate level of financial literacy
- Understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of their position
- Have good independent judgement
- Be willing to effectively act as part of a team
- Adhere to the Nolan Principles of public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
- A willingness to allow the Employee/s to make reasonable decisions and to act within the limits prescribed by the Board
To Apply:
To see the full job advertisement with details on how to apply, and to learn more about the role and our organisation, please see the attached supporting documents.
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!
Role: Trustee
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary: Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline: 17th May 2026
Interviews: In person in London SE20
ABOUT US
Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.
BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships
Our Ethos
BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:
- focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
- be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
- treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community. Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.
OUR SERVICES
BCWA provide a wide range of services including:
Refuge
We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.
Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.
BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.
Advice & Support
BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.
We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.
Our other services include:
Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse
NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.
Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.
Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture.
Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice.
BECOMING A TRUSTEE
What is a Trustee?
Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.
Why become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.
Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.
Why join our board?
BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.
Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.
BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.
The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.
In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.
A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.
What skills are we looking for?
We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance. We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:
· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background
· Provision of mental health services
· AI expertise
ROLE DESCRIPTION
We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
Trustee duties
- To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
- To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
- To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
- To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
- To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.
In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.
Personal skills and qualities
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
What impact will you have?
You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.
You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.
We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
- Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.
Further Information
We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.
New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.
As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve.
BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Reg. Charity No.1068007.
Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.