Director of development and external affairs volunteer roles
The Sutton Trust is at a pivotal moment in its development. For nearly three decades, we have been the UK’s leading voice on social mobility, working tirelessly to break the link between socio-economic background and life chances. Today, that mission is as urgent as it has ever been. Despite pockets of progress, social mobility in the UK remains low by international standards, with deep inequalities in education, access to professions, and regional opportunity continuing to limit life chances and economic potential.
We are seeking a Trustee with policy expertise who shares our commitment to fairness, evidence, and long-term change. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are keen to hear from those who can help us navigate an evolving political landscape and leverage our research to challenge systemic barriers, ensuring our voice remains the most influential in the national drive to transform social mobility.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee
Policy Responsibilities
- Providing oversight for the charity’s research and advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s work is mission-aligned, evidence-based, and intellectually rigorous
- Supporting the Board in discharging their collective duties around planning, risk and compliance, particularly in areas such as horizon scanning for upcoming legislative changes, political shifts and shifts in social trends affecting the Trust as well as specific regulations around political neutrality
- Leveraging their professional networks and expertise, enhancing the charity’s credibility and influence, ensuring our research translates into meaningful systemic change
General Responsibilities
- Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s vision, mission and values and providing advice on the Trust’s wider purpose, goals and activities
- Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s aims and long-term strategy in furtherance of its charitable purpose
- Ensuring key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively as well as keeping abreast of changes in the Trust’s operating environment
- Monitoring the Trust’s performance against its strategic aims, operational plans and budgets
- Safeguarding and promoting the Trust’s reputation, and acting in the best interest of the Trust at all times
- Ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Trust
- Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
- Ensuring proper arrangements are in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and renumeration of the CEO and they are held to account
- Contributing to regular reviews of the Trust’s own governance
- Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the Board’s decision-making, and dedicate sufficient time to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This may involve sitting on Board Committees, scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.
Trustees aim to support a specific member of the SLT based on their skills and experience or may participate in appropriate subgroups, e.g., Alumni Leadership Board, Education Advisory Group, (Development) Board meetings, etc.
Person Specification
Mission and Values
- Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
- High level of personal and professional ethics, integrity, and accountability
- Willingness to safeguard and promote the Trust’s reputation within the wider sector
Strategy and Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to think strategically in order to provide appropriate oversight and scrutiny for the Trust’s overall activity and direction
- Ability to confidently and fairly make evidence-based decisions and constructively challenge the decisions of others if required
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team to provide advice, make decisions, and/or solve problems
- A commitment to personal development and a willingness to participate in regular reviews of the Board’s own performance and governance
Governance, Risk and Finance
- Understanding of the legal duties of a Trustee (or willingness to learn), including compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and commitment to the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee
- Awareness of (or willingness to learn about) financial health indicators and organisational risk management
Specialist Expertise and Experience
- A background in public affairs, civil service, think tanks, education sector organisations or senior policy or research roles in (education) charities
- Strong understanding of how UK government (at local, regional or national level) and/ or the UK education sector works
- Strong influencing and communications skills with the ability to lead discussions, provide expert advice, and influence stakeholders in a professional manner
- Good understanding of how to translate policy jargon into clear, strategic advice for the wider Trustee Board
Interviews
Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 30th March. First round interviews will take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April, and second round interviews will take place w/c 27th April or w/c 4th May. All interviews will be held at our London offices in Millbank Tower.
Registered Charity 
51 - 100
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Alice Ruggles Trust is a leading charity dedicated to tackling stalking through education and training, campaigning, and prevention. We are seeking a Trustee with finance skills to replace our current Treasurer, who has undertaken the role for several years.
Alice Ruggles, aged 24, was murdered in 2016 by an ex-boyfriend following a relentless campaign of stalking. The Alice Ruggles Trust was set up by Alice’s parents to help prevent what happened to Alice happening to others, and ultimately to bring stalking to an end.
We are small but entering a period of significant expansion in response to government initiatives in relation to domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and stalking. This is a challenging but also an exciting time for us.
We are seeking an experienced finance professional, preferably with experience in the charity sector, who will maintain an overview of the Alice Ruggles Trust’s financial affairs and play an essential role in the strategic planning of the Trustee Board in the months and years to come.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Trustee – Ukrainian Institute London
Ukrainian Institute London (UIL) is an independent charity dedicated to advancing public education in the United Kingdom by broadening knowledge and understanding of Ukraine. It champions Ukrainian culture and shapes the conversation about Ukraine in the UK and beyond, bringing together experts, creatives, policymakers, and active citizens to explore Ukrainian perspectives on global challenges. Through its programme of public events, projects, educational courses, and digital content, UIL works across the fields of arts, culture, language, and current affairs. The UIL highlights Ukraine’s expertise and experience to emphasise the urgency of international solidarity in support of democratic security in Europe and beyond.
UIL is seeking to appoint two new Trustees. As a Trustee, you will help shape the strategic direction of the organisation, ensure strong governance, safeguard UIL’s independence and integrity, and support its long-term sustainability. Trustees also act as ambassadors for the Institute, helping to build relationships, raise our profile, and support funding and partnership opportunities.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
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knowledge of Ukraine and its place within wider European and international cultural contexts;
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fundraising and income generation, including trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate sponsorship, or individual giving;
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developing or supporting fundraising strategies;
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charity governance and trustee experience;
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arts, culture, heritage, or international cultural relations;
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finance, law, organisational development, or strategy;
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communications, marketing, partnerships, or audience development;
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digital engagement and organisational sustainability.
We value a wide range of perspectives and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Time commitment:
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Four Board meetings per year, each approximately 2 hours, plus preparation time.
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Review and input into key governance documents, such as the Annual Report.
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Fundraising support, including meetings with potential donors and strategic advice to the Director and the UIL operations team.
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Attendance at key UIL events, where possible.
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Representation of the UIL at occasional meetings with partners or public-facing events.
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Occasional ad hoc engagement, such as strategic advice on issues within the individual trustee’s area of expertise.
Overall, the commitment is expected to average approximately 1-2 days per month (which includes attendance at UIL events) and can easily fit in with other commitments.
This is a voluntary and unpaid role. Expenses are not reimbursed.
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in strengthening a leading cultural charity and supporting its mission to promote Ukrainian culture, knowledge, and dialogue in the UK and beyond.
How to apply
Please read the Trustee Role Description before submitting your application.
To apply, please complete the online application form and upload your CV (PDF format). We do not require a separate covering letter.
CV Submission
Please upload your CV as a PDF file:
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Saved using your full name (e.g. Firstname_Lastname_UIL_Trustee.pdf)
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Including your full contact details, including phone number
Key dates
Closing date for applications: 8 March 2026
Interviews: March 2026
We aim to appoint at least one trustee by 15 April 2026.
Please note
Files submitted will be used solely for recruitment purposes.
All application materials will be handled in accordance with data protection requirements and deleted after the recruitment process has concluded.
You will receive confirmation once your application form has been submitted successfully.
