Director of fundraising and engagement volunteer roles

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:

• knowledge of Ukraine and its place within wider European and international cultural contexts;

• fundraising and income generation, including trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate sponsorship, or individual giving;

• developing or supporting fundraising strategies; 

• charity governance and trustee experience;

• arts, culture, heritage, or international cultural relations;

• finance, law, organisational development, or strategy;

• communications, marketing, partnerships, or audience development;

• digital engagement and organisational sustainability.

We value a wide range of perspectives and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Time commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year, each approximately 2 hours, plus preparation time.

• Review and input into key governance documents, such as the Annual Report.

• Fundraising support, including meetings with potential donors and strategic advice to the Director and the UIL operations team.

• Attendance at key UIL events, where possible.

• Representation of the UIL at occasional meetings with partners or public-facing events. 

• 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:

• Saved using your full name (e.g. Firstname_Lastname_UIL_Trustee.pdf)

• Including your full contact details, including phone number

Key dates

Closing date for applications: 31 March 2026
Interviews: April 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.

We're looking for new Board Members who are interested in making a real difference to the future of Graeae.

A pivotal member who is recruited for their specialist skills or knowledge and because they are representative of those with a stake or interest in Graeae’s work. In law, Trustees of Graeae have three particular duties – compliance, care and prudence – which are set out in the recruitment pack.

We are interested in hearing from Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent individuals and looking to recruit 3-4 people with experience in one or more of the following:

• Financial management
• Law
• Producing (commercial and subsidised sectors)
• Business planning and management
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Delivering digital projects
• Fundraising
• HR

Being a Graeae Board Member can be stimulating, challenging and rewarding. It offers the chance to work with a dedicated, committed, resourceful and professional group of people (staff team, Board and advisers) in an innovative and challenging environment.

Job description

�� Guardian Light Foundation Board of Directors – Roles, Expectations & Benefits ��

Our Mission

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and abused children, teenagers, and struggling single-parent families. We provide safe housing, education, career pathways, legal aid, and life-skills support to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

We are building not just an organisation — but a movement of hope, empowerment, and social impact.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Vice-Chairperson (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Responsibilities:

• Support the Chairperson and act in their absence.

• Ensure all board decisions are actioned efficiently.

• Oversee special committees and task forces.

• Assist with performance evaluations of executive staff.

• Provide leadership continuity during transitions.

Requirements:

• Strong leadership and organisational skills.

• Prior experience in management or board governance.

Benefits:

• Executive leadership recognition.

• Key role in succession planning and governance strategy.

• Access to leadership networks and visibility opportunities.

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve 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.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.

This Role Amplifies Our Mission Through Words and Connection

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., every story, every update, and every donor communication is a chance to build trust, mobilise communities, and fuel systemic change. 

The Content and Donor Communication Specialist ensures that our messaging is consistent, compelling, and aligned with our values, translating the C.I.C’s mission, impact, and vision into content that engages donors, volunteers, and wider audiences. 

This role is not about casual posting or generic marketing. It is about strategically shaping how the CIC’s story is heard and acted upon.

Purpose of the Role

This role exists to:

• Craft and manage communications for donors, stakeholders, and the wider community
• Translate survivor-led stories and CIC activities into impactful messaging
• Develop content for emails, newsletters, social media, and fundraising campaigns
• Support the Fundraising Director in building donor relationships through clear, engaging, and ethical communication
• Ensure all content aligns with CIC values, trauma-informed practice, and safeguarding policies

You are the voice that converts purpose into action.

About the role:

To create and manage compelling content for donor and community communications, maintaining consistent messaging, ethical standards, and alignment with campaigns to enhance engagement, retention, and organisational impact. 

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Professional or voluntary experience in copywriting, communications, or journalism.
• Experience creating email newsletters, donor updates, or fundraising communications.
• Strong understanding of donor engagement strategies and how content impacts retention.
• Experience creating content for social media with organisational or campaign objectives in mind.
• Editing, proofreading, and content planning skills.
• Ability to maintain a consistent organisational voice across platforms.
• Familiarity with GDPR, data protection, and safeguarding requirements for communications.
• Skills in tracking and interpreting engagement metrics and refining communications accordingly.
• Collaborative skills to work effectively with multiple teams, volunteers, and directors.
• Ability to adapt content for different audiences and ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
• Strong organisational and project management skills for content planning and scheduling.
• Experience in creating templates, guides, or standardised communication processes.

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Experience using email marketing or newsletter platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, CiviCRM).
• Knowledge of digital content analytics tools to monitor performance.
• Experience mentoring or supporting volunteers in communications roles.
• Ability to integrate donor communications with wider fundraising campaigns and events.
• Familiarity with multi-channel campaign planning and content strategy.
• Skills in visual content creation or basic design for communication purposes.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required.
• Equivalent professional or voluntary experience in communications, content creation, or donor engagement highly valued.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop clear, engaging, and accurate copy for all donor and community communications, including:

 Emails and newsletters

 Fundraising campaign materials

 Donor updates and acknowledgements

 Event promotions and volunteer communications

• Maintain a consistent organisational voice and messaging across all communication channels.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising Director to ensure content aligns with campaign goals, donor engagement strategies, and organisational priorities.
• Work with the Social Media Team to ensure content supports multi-channel campaigns and wider communications objectives.
• Track donor engagement, feedback, and responses to communications to identify patterns and refine messaging for maximum impact.
• Support segmentation, personalisation, and targeting of communications to ensure relevance and donor retention.
• Ensure compliance with data protection (GDPR), safeguarding, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all communications.
• Collaborate with volunteers and other teams to adapt content for different audiences, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity.
• Proofread, edit, and quality-check all content before publication to ensure accuracy and professional presentation.
• Contribute to content planning, calendars, and scheduling to maintain regular, timely, and coordinated communications.
• Assist in developing templates, guides, or SOPs for donor and community communications.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to other volunteers involved in content creation or communications.
• Monitor performance metrics for communications and produce reports to inform strategy and campaign planning.
• Ensure all communications reflect and uphold the C.I.C’s values, culture, and brand identity.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer casual or low-commitment volunteering
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Want to write content without considering impact or ethics
• Are uncomfortable working with sensitive or trauma-informed material

Important to Be Clear:

• This is a volunteer role during the C.I.C’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for shaping our messaging and donor relationships
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about content, storytelling, and donor engagement

If you believe that words can transform communities, and that authentic storytelling drives action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Words carry weight.
They can heal or harm.

If you know that:
Survivor stories deserve care, not clicks

Donors deserve honesty, not spin

Communication is part of safeguarding

About WAST

We are a grassroots organisation led-by and for women seeking asylum in Greater Manchester. We campaign for social justice and women's rights through a peer-led support model that helps women find their place in the UK. Women seeking asylum continue to live in a hostile environment where they often feel vulnerable and isolated. WAST (Women Asylum Seekers Together) seeks to combat this by offering a safe space where women can be heard, build confidence, and develop new skills.

The Roles

Due to the retirement of three long-standing trustees, we are recruiting four women to join our diverse Board of Trustees and help us deliver projects that the women themselves have identified as priorities.

One of these positions is for a Treasurer, who will support the Board in overseeing the charity’s finances, ensuring strong financial management and sustainability.

We are also particularly interested in recruiting more Trustees with lived experience of the asylum system, or the immigration system. WAST’s Chair and Honorary Chair have lived experience, and we would very much value more women with lived experience on our board. 

The current Board have a diverse range of skills. We particularly welcome applications from women with experience of campaigning, fundraising or human resources. However, this should not put off any potential applicants who may bring other qualities to the Board.

If you feel that you have the energy and time to contribute and are committed to improving the lives of women seeking asylum, we would love to hear from you.

Please see the Recruitment Pack and Role Description for further information. If you have any questions or would like to arrange an informal chat about the role please contact the email given in the Recruitment Pack.

Please note: This is a voluntary position. This role is also open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, in line with WAST’s commitment to providing programmes and initiatives led by and for women seeking asylum.

This Role Builds Strategic Alliances That Multiply Impact

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., building sustainable partnerships with businesses and organisations is central to our mission. The Corporate Sponsorship and Partnerships Officer ensures that our vision connects with external supporters who share our values and want to contribute meaningfully to systemic change. You will identify, cultivate, and manage relationships that provide financial support, in-kind contributions, and strategic collaborations, helping the C.I.C thrive while maintaining ethical and values-aligned partnerships. This is not a transactional sales role. It is a strategic, high-impact, and relationship-focused role critical to the C.I.C’s sustainability.

Purpose of the Role

This role exists to:

• Research, identify, and approach potential corporate partners and sponsors
• Develop partnership proposals and sponsorship packages aligned with CIC priorities
• Manage relationships with sponsors, ensuring transparency, alignment, and mutual benefit
• Support the Fundraising Director in building strategic alliances that amplify impact
• Ensure all corporate engagements uphold CIC values, trauma-informed practices, and anti-exploitative principles
• You are the connector that turns shared values into actionable support.

About the role:

To create, manage, and optimise content and communications that engage donors and the community, ensuring consistent messaging, ethical standards, and alignment with campaigns and organisational values.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Experience in copywriting, communications, journalism, or similar.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms and newsletter creation (e.g., Mailchimp, CiviCRM, or equivalent).
• Experience developing content for fundraising or donor engagement.
• Social media content creation for organisational impact.
• Strong editing, proofreading, and content planning skills.
• Ability to write clearly, persuasively, and in a tone consistent with the C.I.C’s values.
• Understanding of audience segmentation and personalised communications.
• Awareness of data protection, confidentiality, GDPR, and safeguarding requirements.
• Experience tracking engagement metrics and refining communications based on results.
• Collaborative skills to work with multiple teams and volunteers.
• Ability to adapt content for different audiences, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Experience producing multi-channel campaigns (email, social media, print).
• Knowledge of design and layout tools for content (e.g., Canva, InDesign).
• Volunteer coordination and mentoring experience.
• Analytical skills to interpret donor response data.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required.
• Equivalent professional experience in communications, content creation, or donor engagement is highly valued.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Develop compelling, clear, and accurate content for donor and community communications, including:

 Emails and newsletters

 Campaign materials and updates

 Fundraising appeals and donor acknowledgements

• Maintain consistent organisational voice and messaging across all communications channels.
• Collaborate closely with the Fundraising Director to align content with fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies.
• Work with the Social Media Team to ensure content complements online campaigns and wider communications.
• Track donor engagement and responses to communications, using feedback to refine messaging, segmentation, and targeting.
• Support segmentation and personalisation of donor communications to maximise relevance and impact.
• Ensure all communications comply with data protection, confidentiality, and ethical standards (GDPR, safeguarding, and organisational policies).
• Adapt content for different community audiences, ensuring accessibility, clarity and inclusivity.
• Proofread, edit, and review communications for accuracy, tone, and impact before distribution.
• Contribute to content planning and calendars, coordinating timing and messaging with campaign schedules.
• Provide guidance and support to other volunteers involved in communications or content creation.
• Maintain documentation of communications templates, processes, and donor engagement metrics.
• Actively participate in team meetings to share insights, track performance, and improve communications strategy.

What You Gain

• Founding-level experience in corporate partnerships and sponsorship strategy
• Leadership exposure in high-stakes negotiation and collaboration
• Opportunity to shape sustainable funding models for a high-impact C.I.C
• Priority consideration for future paid roles
• Direct contribution to community empowerment and systemic change

This role builds strategic influence, partnership management, and ethical fundraising skills.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer transactional sales over relationship building
• Avoid high-responsibility or strategic thinking roles
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable negotiating or representing an ethical, trauma-informed organisation

Important to Be Clear

• This is a volunteer role during the C.I.C’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for relationship-building and fundraising sustainability
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Partnerships are about values, not logos.

If you know that:

Ethical funding protects the mission

Who we align with reflects who we are
 

Long-term impact beats short-term gain

Job Description

We are looking for a Volunteer Paid Ads & Media Buyer to plan and manage ethical paid digital campaigns that support fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and public awareness.

You will work with the Digital Marketing Director and Marketing team to create ads that reach the right audiences while upholding trauma-informed, safeguarding, and ethical standards.

This role focuses on campaign planning, optimisation, and impact measurement rather than commercial metrics.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage paid digital campaigns across social media, search, and display platforms
• Create and optimise campaigns to support fundraising, volunteering, and public education
• Collaborate with designers and copywriters to produce ethical and compelling ad creatives
• Test and analyse audiences, messaging, and creatives to improve performance
• Track campaign metrics such as reach, conversions, and cost per action
• Ensure campaigns comply with safeguarding, data protection, and platform policies
• Document processes for transparency and learning
• Work with analysts and campaign teams to report on results and insights

What We’re Looking For

• Experience or interest in paid digital advertising and campaign management
• Familiarity with platforms such as Meta Ads, Google Ads, or similar
• Ability to manage budgets and optimise campaigns responsibly
• Understanding of performance metrics, testing, and reporting
• Comfort working with sensitive subject matter
• Experience in nonprofit or social impact campaigns is helpful but not required

What You’ll Gain

• Founding experience managing paid campaigns for a social impact organisation
• Leadership exposure in ethical advertising and campaign strategy
• Opportunity to influence how resources are used for outreach and engagement
• Hands-on experience working across creative, analytics, and campaign teams
• Priority consideration for future paid roles when funding becomes available

Volunteer Content Creator
Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) & Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd (GLE)

Role Type: Volunteer
Location: Remote / Flexible
Reports to: Board Of Director - Marketing & Communications Lead

About Us

Guardian Light Foundation (GLF) is a mission-driven charity supporting vulnerable and homeless children who have experienced abuse and hardship. Guardian Light Enterprises Ltd (GLE) supports this mission through sustainable initiatives and services.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a creative and committed Volunteer Content Creator to help raise awareness, engage our audience, and grow our online presence across both GLF and GLE platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Create engaging content for social media (posts, captions, short videos, graphics)

• Support content planning in line with campaigns and key messages

• Share impactful stories (while maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding standards)

• Assist in growing audience engagement across platforms (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)

• Maintain a consistent tone and brand voice

• Work collaboratively with the marketing team

Skills & Experience

• Strong creativity and attention to detail

• Basic experience with content creation tools (e.g. Canva, CapCut, or similar)

• Good written communication skills

• Understanding of social media platforms and trends

• Passion for making a positive impact

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Must adhere to safeguarding and confidentiality policies

• An Enhanced DBS check may be required

What You’ll Gain

• Valuable experience in marketing and content creation

• Opportunity to build a professional portfolio

• Be part of a meaningful cause making real impact

• Flexible, remote volunteering

How to Apply

Please submit a short introduction and any examples of your work (if available).

Join us in giving a voice to those who need it most.

Finance Trustee - Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is seeking a trustee with financial experience to help shape the future of our high-performing advice charity.

With offices in Grantham, Spalding and Stamford, plus outreach centres across the region, we support a population of 225,000 people. Last year, we helped 14,000 clients with 60,000 issues and secured over £7 million of additional income for them. We are here for everyone to help people move on with their lives.

As a trustee, you will join a well-known, respected charity, influence strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to meaningful change. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with other professional, dedicated trustees, gain valuable experience, build on your leadership and strategy skills, and increase your employability. Previous Board experience would be an advantage, but is not essential.

You will guide the Board and the Chief Executive Officer on the key assumptions and financial implications of budgets and plans. You will use your financial knowledge and understanding to oversee the financial management of the charity and advise the Board.

You will monitor the charity’s financial performance and support the CEO and financial team in areas such as budgeting, clear and accurate financial reporting and financial compliance. This is an opportunity for you to:

· join a respected national charity

· make a positive impact for people in your local area, and

· gain valuable board experience and build leadership and strategy skills.

The time commitment is four in-person Board meetings and four or five remote committee meetings a year, a Board Away Day and an involvement of 1-2 days per month with the Finance Team. 

What do you need to become a trustee?

Trustees don’t need specific qualifications, but we expect all trustees to have 
six core skills: 

● Insight into the organisation: considering CASL’s objects and its public 
benefit strategically 
● Challenging constructively: clarifying facts; stimulating thought 
● Analysing issues: being objective; evaluating risks; using evidence; 
planning ahead 
● Weighing up opinions: using evidence; balancing long- and short-term; 
prioritising value 
● Interpersonal skills: communicating clearly; listening actively; 
supporting a healthy culture, and 
● Confidence and self-awareness: collaborating with others; treating 
everyone with respect.

In addition, as Finance Trustee you will need:

● financial literacy, including experience of creating and managing 
budgets 
● ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly, and 
● strong analytical skills. 

For this role, we also value:

● experience of working in finance, accounting and/or audit 
● experience in charity finance, SORP, or nonprofit financial management 
● familiarity with financial software, and/or 
● experience of Board or committee work.

Finally, competent trustees should have these six personal qualities to some 
extent, and demonstrate them in their behaviours: 

● Committed - motivated, dedicated, persevering; plays an active role. 
● Responsible - accountable, independent, reliable; accepts collective 
responsibility. 
● Trustworthy - ethical, principled; is a critical friend and focuses on 
continuous improvement. 
● Collaborative - team-oriented, approachable; builds relationships and 
seeks consensus. 
● Confident - independent; contributes constructively and expresses 
opinions courageously. 
● Thoughtful - curious, adaptable, open-minded; appropriately challenges 
the status quo. 

About Schoolreaders

One in four children in England leave primary school unable to read at the expected level — a barrier that shadows their education, confidence, and life chances. Schoolreaders was founded in 2013 to change this.

The Charity delivers weekly one-to-one reading support to primary school children who need it most, powered by a nationwide network of trained volunteers. This community-driven model delivers exceptional impact at minimal cost. It is incredibly simple and everyone wins – the children benefit from consistent, regular additional reading support, schools benefit from trained volunteers spending one-to-one time with children, and volunteers benefit from an increased sense of purpose and wellbeing.

Demand is soaring. In just 13 years, Schoolreaders has become England’s largest in-school reading support charity. Today, almost 40,000 children receive one-to-one reading support each week, and the charity is on track to deliver more than 1.5 million in-person reading sessions in 2026 — the National Year of Reading.

Support is targeted where it matters most: 46% of participating children are eligible for Pupil Premium, and over half of partner schools serve disadvantaged communities. Independent evaluation with the Institute for Research in Education shows powerful results: across three terms, every single child improved their reading age beyond expected progress.

Schoolreaders is proving what’s possible when communities mobilise around children’s futures.

The organisation is run by a small team in Bedford, achieving high staff-to-volunteer leverage and exceptional cost-effectiveness. Its supporters include patrons Gyles Brandreth and Kate Adie, and it is governed by a Board of Trustees and an executive team. Schoolreaders has been praised for its adaptability and innovative use of digital channels in volunteer recruitment and fundraising, and for the strength, expertise, and depth of its Board, whose members typically serve multiple terms, reflecting a strong sense of commitment and continuity. This collective leadership and innovation continue to position Schoolreaders as a vital partner in tackling the literacy gap at scale.

Role specification

As a Trustee at Schoolreaders, they will play a key role, helping to shape the overall direction and vision.

The key duties of Trustees are to:

• Work collectively with fellow Trustees and the executive team to ensure Schoolreaders remains mission-driven, financially resilient, and effective in delivering high-impact literacy support, particularly to the most disadvantaged children
• Shape and challenge organisational strategy, supporting the charity’s continued national expansion and operational effectiveness, while managing strategic risks and safeguarding its reputation and resources
• Champion the importance of evidence-based, face-to-face reading interventions while constructively interrogating the potential role of digital provision, ensuring decisions are grounded in impact and inclusivity
• Engage as an ambassador for Schoolreaders, championing its mission and extending its reach through networks and partnerships
• Support the executive team in addressing key challenges, including safeguarding, funding pressures, digital transformation, and security of volunteer and beneficiary data
• Model inclusive, collaborative governance and foster an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued

Person specification

Schoolreaders is seeking to strengthen its Board with new Trustees who bring expertise across two priority areas: Education and Communications / PR. While prior governance experience is welcome, the organisation is equally open to applications from those seeking their first non-executive appointment.

Education

The Board welcomes applications from those with current experience as a primary school practitioner, ideally within the state sector. The capacity to deliver strategic direction is essential. Insight into challenges linked to deprivation and the use of educational technology would be particularly valuable in shaping policy, practice and partnership development. A background in safeguarding would also be highly valued. Candidates may have held leadership roles such as Head of Department, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Headteacher, Chief Executive, or Director of Education. Appointees will also join the Education Safeguarding Consultation Group (meets online three times per year).

Communications / PR

The Board is seeking a Trustee with significant experience in communications, brand development, and / or marketing, and a strong understanding of digital and social media strategy. Candidates may come from any sector, provided they bring sound judgement, strong strategic thinking, and the ability to operate credibly across these areas. Experience in stakeholder engagement and influencing at a senior level will be valuable.

This Trustee will bring valuable insight as Schoolreaders strengthens its in-house communications and marketing capability and will help to shape the development of a longer-term strategy to raise the organisation’s profile and extend its reach. They will also support the development of a more integrated and cohesive approach, contributing to thinking on brand strategy, marketing and communications priorities, audience engagement, and external profile, as well as offering insight across digital, social, and traditional channels.

Above all, successful candidates will be motivated by the mission of Schoolreaders and committed to supporting children’s literacy and life chances.

Location

Board meetings are primarily held virtually, with one in-person board meeting and one strategy day held annually (typically in Bedford). Trustees from all regions of the UK are encouraged to apply.

Diversity

Schoolreaders welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

Terms of appointment

This is a voluntary role; however, reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. Trustees are asked to commit to:

• attending six Board meetings per year (every two months, three hours each, five virtual and one held in person in Bedford)
• attending three Committee meetings annually (virtual), as relevant to their expertise, noting that this is an emerging area and there is not currently a specific committee for the PR / Communications Trustee role
• attending an annual strategy day, which is held in person

The initial appointment is for a three-year term, which may be renewed at the Board’s discretion.

The food system is unsustainable and unjust, and it’s damaging the health of a generation. We are a youth activist movement set up to challenge a food system that’s been set up to fool us all. We're looking for a new Chair who shares our passion for empowering youth leadership and transforming our food system