Corporate planning officer volunteer roles in Belfast

The Fundraising Officer is responsible for generating vital income for Make a Smile. You’ll proactively identify and organise fundraising opportunities, complete the required paperwork, and ensure events run smoothly. Working closely with the Treasurer and committee, you’ll develop an annual fundraising plan, support local fundraisers, and build relationships with supermarkets and other organisations. The role is hands-on, creative, and key to helping the chapter meet its fundraising goals and maximise its impact.

The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.

DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:

• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm

The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.

Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).

We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.

Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews

Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.

External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.

Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector

Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).

Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.

If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in March (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams. 

The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.

Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:

info at ddmcphail dot org

Volunteer Grant Officer

Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity

Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer

About Us

We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.

Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.

You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
• Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
• Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
• Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
• Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting

About You

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills
• Good organisational skills and reliability
• Commitment to social justice and housing rights

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience of grant writing or fundraising
• Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.

What We Offer

• Flexible volunteering hours
• Support, supervision, and guidance
• The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
• Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
• References provided where appropriate

The role of a Treasurer is an unpaid, voting role sitting on the UK Board of Trustees and reporting to the Chair of Trustees. In line with our policy, all trustees initially start in a non-voting advisor role to ensure that both they and the board are happy to formalise the trusteeship before transitioning to a full voting trustee position.

The Treasurer will work with the UK Operations Manager and the UK board of trustees to share the responsibility for overseeing the financial health and sustainability of Sreepur Village and will liaise with the Overseas Director based in Sreepur Village.

Treasurer Role

· Oversee the financial affairs and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice 

· Review the appointment of new auditors and work to ensure financial reports are clear and timely 

· Hold monthly budget review meetings with the UK Operations Manager to oversee accounting and financial controls

· Ensure appropriate risk management is in place and is reviewed by the board on a regular basis

· Introduce new financial forecasting and reporting systems and ensure protocols and processes are appropriate

· Be main point of contact with the investment fund managers and oversee investment policy

Governance Role

• Contribute to the strategic planning process
• Be an ambassador for Sreepur Village representing the organisation and linking it to its stakeholders.
• Attend at least three meetings a year (virtual or in person) or as advised by the Chair of Trustees if the number of meetings changes.
• Attend or host fundraising events, where possible.
• Respond to emails and other correspondence within five working days or an agreed time frame

Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.

Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.

The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:

1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda

2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples

3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change

The role of trustees is:

1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.

2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.

3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.

4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.

5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.

6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.

7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).

8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.

Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.

Trustee Responsibilities:

1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.

2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.

3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.

4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.

5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.

Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise

To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership
   Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income.
2. Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
   Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:
   • Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
   • Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
   • Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
   • Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities

This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.

1. Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
   Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches.
2. Committee Leadership & Support
   Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team.
3. Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
   Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:
   • Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
   • Advising on donor strategy and positioning
   • Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
4. Visibility & Advocacy
   Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner.
5. Governance & Accountability
   Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.

Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.

 Senior Fundraising Experience

• A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.

• Sector-Relevant Knowledge
  Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:
  • WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
  • Climate and environmental sustainability
  • Menstrual health and gender equality
  • Rural enterprise and livelihoods
  • International development

Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.

• Network & Influence
  An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.

• Strategic & Commercial Acumen
  The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.

The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.

DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:

• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm

The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.

Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).

We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.

Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews

Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.

External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.

Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector

Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).

Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.

If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in March (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams. 

The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.

Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:

info at ddmcphail dot org

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting The Girls’ Network in the search to appoint their next Chair and two Trustees.

About The Girls’ Network

At The Girls’ Network, we believe that no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background or parental income.

Young people from lower-income families are significantly less likely to go on to higher education than their wealthier peers, which can have a lifelong impact on opportunity and earning potential. Recent years have also seen inequalities deepen and young people’s wellbeing adversely affected, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic. These structural and social barriers disproportionately affect girls and young women from communities of least advantage.

We exist to challenge this inequality. Our mission is to inspire and empower girls and young women from underrepresented backgrounds to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and develop the confidence and capacity to shape their own futures.

We work in communities of least advantage across England to deliver programmes that provide long-term, meaningful support.

About the Opportunities

The Girls’ Network is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead and support The Girls’ Network through their exciting next phase of growth, supporting an exceptional, values-driven team and ensuring they remain ambitious, accountable and true to their founding mission.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with:

• Experience of strategic leadership and governance within a complex organisation.
• Experience or understanding of the education / schools landscape.
• Good understanding of voluntary sector governance, funding and finance management.
• Thorough understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Demonstrable financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability.
• A track record of driving innovation and organisational change, with the ability to apply insight to support the charity’s achievement of its strategic objectives.
• Experience of working across sectoral boundaries, leveraging partnerships and opportunities.

The Girls’ Networks is also seeking two talented and committed Trustees to join their Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising
• IT and digital

We are also seeking Trustees from the North East, Merseyside, West Midlands who can bring their lived experience to add value to the Board. We also encourage applications from young Trustees and will support first-time Trustees to bring their valuable perspectives to the Board.

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.

Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life?  Are you able to give your time, expertise and skills as a Trustee to support our charity in its hugely important mission?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an impactful and influential charity, supporting older residents in Sutton by providing valuable advice and support services regarding health, finances and wellbeing.

A trustee role can be hugely fulfilling, as well as helping you to develop and utilise strategic leadership skills, and work with a diverse and  dynamic team.

We are looking for trustees who can bring their own unique experience and expertise to support the effective governance of our charity, in particular in areas such as data and digital, commercial experience, and knowledge of the health and care sector. An understanding of charity governance, fundraising or an accountancy qualification would be beneficial.

Who are Age UK Sutton?

Age UK Sutton is a small independent charity dedicated to helping older people in our community to live well in later life. We are a network partner of Age UK, the influential national charity, and benefit from membership of a network of similar independent charities across the UK. We deliver a mixture of social and community activities while influencing strategy in Sutton. We provide vital information, expert advice and practical support. Our work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health, care, and wellbeing, and enables greater social connection and independence.

Location: Sutton, South West London (and online meetings)

Time Commitment:

• Quarterly Board meetings, three-hour Board meetings held virtually on Teams (twice a year), and alternately face-to-face meetings
• Quarterly Committee meetings (2-3 hours): Fundraising and Enterprise and / or Quality and / or Finance, Risk and Audit (most trustees are expected to attend 2 of the 3 standing subcommittees)
• Trustees with the capacity to do so also have the opportunity to support occasional projects or short-term working groups, supporting the CEO and wider leadership team.

Duration: A 3-year term (may be extended for two further 3-year terms)

Final closing date: Tuesday 1 April

Sift is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service-user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence.

To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values-led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change.

All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed. Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form which can be found on the Volunteering page of our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable recruitment pack - see our website for details. 

The Roles:

Board Secretary

Role Purpose

The Board Secretary helps ensure that Sift is governed with clarity and accountability. This role supports the Board to function well, ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and that governance processes enable the charity’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas and papers for Board and sub-committee meetings with the Chair and CEO.
• Take clear, accurate minutes that reflect decisions, context and agreed actions.
• With support from the Head of Operations, maintain key governance records, including trustee details, conflicts of interest and policies.
• Support compliance with the charity’s governing document and Charity Commission requirements.
• Assist with timely statutory filings and good governance practice.
• Act as a trusted point of reference for governance-related queries.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear, inclusive written communication.
• Respect for confidentiality and sensitive information.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and lived-experience-informed values.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance, company secretarial work or

trustee roles.

• Familiarity with Charity Commission guidance.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, plus preparation time.
• Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.

Business Development Lead

Role Purpose

The Business Development Lead supports Sift to grow sustainably, so that more people affected by self-injury can access support. This role brings a strategic lens to income generation, partnerships and opportunity development, grounded in the charity’s values and ethical approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and oversight of Sift’s income generation strategy.
• Support exploration of new funding, partnership and collaboration opportunities including the expansion and relaunch of our national in-person and online training programme.
• Offer insight and challenge on fundraising, commercial or social enterprise ideas.
• Network with key players in the mental health and wellbeing field.
• Help assess risk, impact and alignment with Sift’s mission.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in business development, commercial income generation, partnerships or strategy.
• Ability to balance ambition with care and ethical decision-making.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Commitment to SIFT’s mission and lived-experience-informed ethos.

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or social enterprises.
• Knowledge of trusts, foundations, corporate giving or

commissioning.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with occasional

input outside meetings.

• Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol

based office.

Leadership & Governance Director

Role Purpose

The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
• Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
• Contribute to succession planning and long-term organisational resilience.
• Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
• Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
• Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
• Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional

involvement as needed.

• Up to 4 in-person meetings at our Bristol based office.