Director of services and influencing volunteer roles

Would you like to help East Ayrshire Women’s Aid improve the lives of women, children and young people who experience domestic abuse in East Ayrshire? Do you have a willingness to learn, share your skills and work as part of a team? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you might be interested in becoming a Director of East Ayrshire Women’s Aid.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a team delivering vital support to vulnerable women, children and young people in East Ayrshire. You do not need to know everything there is to know about domestic abuse, but they do need to know that you are reliable and committed to our principles and values.

The position is voluntary, but East Ayrshire Women’s Aid will provide you with training and support and pay your expenses. The Board meets at least six times a year, usually on Saturday mornings.

Applications are welcomed from women from all sections of the community.

This post is subject to PVG Disclosure. Women only need apply. The post is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010).

St Basils is looking for a new Non-Exec Director / Trustee to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member.

About Us

St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and ultimately prevent homelessness.

We help just over 4,000 young people each year across the West Midlands, with services in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Our services range from providing supported accommodation to outreach, advice, support, employability and engagement services to help young people regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives, gain skills, confidence and employment and move on. The aim is to help them successfully break the ‘cycle of homelessness’ so that they can go on to experience a bright, fulfilling future and never return to a state where they are at risk of homelessness again.

About our Board

We are a registered provider of social housing, a charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning our Board members are both Directors and Trustees.

To navigate our challenging regulatory landscape, we need to be tightly governed. At the heart of this is a Board with the right knowledge, values, skills and diversity, all whilst working towards our vision that homelessness should not be part of growing up.

As a member of St Basils’ Board, you will be a guardian of St Basils’ charitable purpose. You will be responsible for holding the Senior Leadership Team to account through constructive challenge and support, and for ensuring St Basils’ strategic priorities are met.

You will form part of St Basils’ governance framework, providing oversight of key business areas, such as business planning, safeguarding, risk, finance, health and safety, EDI and business development. 

Our Board is made up of 14 members, 2 of which are designated for young people who have lived experience of homelessness and / or St Basils’ services.

St Basils has adopted the RACE Equality Code and is actively seeking applications for Board members from Black communities to ensure our Board is reflective of both the young people that we serve and our dedicated workforce.

About the Role

We are looking for a voluntary Director / Trustee with a professional background in safeguarding to join our Board as the Designated Safeguarding Board Member. Our new Board member will need to have a strong understanding of safeguarding, ideally with experience in supporting vulnerable young people.

As the Designated Safeguarding Board Member, you will:

• Work with St Basils’ Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to regularly review safeguarding reports, trends and serious incidents
• Act as a safeguarding champion at Board level, supporting other Directors / Trustees to develop their understanding and confidence in safeguarding
• Provide oversight of allegations or safeguarding concerns relating to staff, volunteers or Board Members
• Attend regular meetings and engage with services, staff and young people to maintain visibility of safeguarding in practice
• Support the Chair, CEO and DSL in ensuring appropriate governance oversight of serious safeguarding incidents, including reputational considerations
• Ensure the Board receives appropriate assurance on safeguarding risks and how they are managed

Our new Director / Trustee will sit on our Service Delivery & Development Committee which oversees both the housing elements of our services as well as the support / progression we provide to our young people. This committee meets virtually, one a quarter.

Although the role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be paid for costs incurred in undertaking the role.

About You

You will be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or have significant experience in a senior safeguarding role.

You will demonstrate sound judgement and be able to challenge confidently and constructively, although you do not need to have Board experience.

You will work within the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and understand the needs of the diverse young people we serve.

You will put the needs of young people first, be passionate about ending youth homelessness and share our mission, vision and principles.

Time Commitment

You will need to be able to attend the majority of Board and Committee meetings, one of each is held each quarter (8 meetings total per year). Each meeting will last around 2 hours and will normally be held late afternoon/early evening (usually 4pm – 6pm). Board meetings are held in person at St Basils’ Head Office in Birmingham, and Committee meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams. The dates for meetings are set by calendar year, towards the end of the previous year.

Meeting papers will be shared via an online portal one week in advance of the meeting to allow for sufficient preparation time.

A Board away day is held each year, usually October, and every other year this includes an overnight stay. This will be fully paid for by St Basils.

We encourage Board members to visit our accommodation services to deepen understanding of our work and support effective governance and decision-making. We would like all Board members to make 2 visits a year if possible.

All travel expenses incurred in attending Board meetings / conducting site visits will be reimbursed by St Basils.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a series of essential online training courses (for example GDPR, Cyber Security, EDI, Safeguarding, Risk Management) and the opportunity to do additional online or in-person training, such as Psychologically Informed Environment training. As part of our commitment to race equality, we provide mandatory Anti-Racism training for all staff and Board members.

You will be part of a knowledgeable and supportive Board and have the opportunity to work alongside young people with lived experience.

You will have the guidance of a knowledgeable Chair to support your development as a Director / Trustee, and you will have access to St Basils’ Senior Leadership Team to help you fulfil your role.

St Basils is a learning organisation and therefore we are able to support and develop Board members who are new to the role. In addition, St Basils has membership with the Board Development Agency, which provides our Board Members with access to webinars and development tools specific to housing sector Boards.

Being a Director / Trustee at St Basils is more than just attending meetings – if you would like to contribute to an organisation that has young people at its core, where you can visibly see the difference you are making, then this is the role for you.

For further information please see the link to the full job pack.

We welcome early applications and will interview on a rolling basis.

The e-Assessment Association (eAA) is the leading professional membership body promoting better assessment through technology. We bring together awarding organisations, education providers, technology suppliers, researchers and policymakers to advance high-quality, innovative assessment practice in the UK and internationally.

We are now seeking a new Chair of the Board to lead the next phase of the Association’s development.

This is a high-impact governance role for an experienced senior leader who is passionate about assessment, education and technology, and who enjoys working collaboratively to make a difference across a complex and evolving sector.

Why this role matters

The Chair plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction, influence and effectiveness of the eAA.

Working with a committed Board of Directors and a small, professional operational team, the Chair provides strategic leadership, ensures strong governance, and acts as an ambassador for the Association and its members.

The Chair of the eAA Limited also serves as Chair of the Board of e-Assessment Services Limited, the Association’s trading subsidiary, supporting the sustainability and growth of the organisation.

This is an opportunity to:

• lead a respected, member-led organisation at the forefront of digital assessment;
• influence policy, practice and debate across assessment and education technology;
• support the continued professionalisation and growth of the Association; and
• work with a knowledgeable, engaged Board and an experienced executive team.

The role is supported by an annual honorarium of £6,000 in recognition of the time commitment and responsibility involved.

What you’ll be doing

As Chair, you will:

Provide strategic leadership

• Lead the Board in setting the strategic direction of the Association and monitoring progress against agreed objectives.
• Support the long-term sustainability, relevance and impact of the eAA.

Ensure strong governance

Ensure the Association operates within its governance framework and complies with all statutory and fiduciary duties.
Foster a positive, inclusive and professional Board culture that encourages open discussion, diverse perspectives and collective decision-making.
Work closely with the Vice-Chair and other Directors to maintain continuity and effective governance processes.
Support and challenge the Executive

• Provide support, guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and operations team.
• Oversee performance against strategic and operational goals.
• Review budgets, management accounts and strategic plans in collaboration with the Treasurer and executive team.

Represent and advocate

• Act as an ambassador for the Association with members, partners, sponsors and external stakeholders.
• Represent the eAA at key events, including the e-Assessment International Conference and Awards.
• Use your networks and credibility to enhance the Association’s profile and influence.

Essential experience and attributes

• Senior leadership experience within assessment, education or educational technology.
• A strong understanding of assessment principles and the role of technology in transforming assessment practice.
• Demonstrated Board-level governance experience, ideally within a company limited by guarantee, charity or membership organisation.
• Excellent chairing and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead a diverse Board effectively.
• Strategic thinking, integrity and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• Strong communication and ambassadorial skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or alongside professional associations or member-led organisations.
• Established networks across education, assessment and technology sectors.
• Experience representing an organisation publicly at conferences or sector events.

thrivin' together is a national, grassroots Community Interest Company supporting women impacted by their own or someone else's gambling. Incorporated in July 2022, we meet women where they are, offering support that fits around complex, time-poor lives.

We have grown rapidly, building strong trust, reach, and credibility. We are now entering a phase focused on:

• Strengthening governance and infrastructure
• Moving beyond founder-reliant leadership
• Clarifying our proposition and impact
• Building sustainable systems for long-term growth
• Increasing our influence in policy and system change

This is a moment of consolidation, clarity, and intentional growth.

As a Board Member, you will help guide the strategic direction of thrivin' together, ensuring we remain values-led, sustainable, and responsive to the women we serve. You will:

• Contribute to governance and strategic planning
• Support the development and sustainability of our services
• Ensure alignment with our mission and lived experience ethos
• Provide constructive challenge and oversight
• Act as an ambassador and help build partnerships 

This is a non-operational role focused on oversight, support, and direction.

We are looking for women who bring a genuine passion for women's wellbeing and social impact. Commitment to supporting those affected by gambling harm and a collaborative, thoughtful, and values-driven approach. Desirable experience: Finance or accounting Fundraising HR or organisational development Chair or governance experience Policy, influencing, or systems change Lived experience of gambling harm (your own or someone else's) We welcome first-time Board Members and will provide support and induction. 

What you'll gain

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in women's lives
• Experience of governance and strategic leadership
• Being part of a supportive, women-centred team
• The chance to shape a growing, innovative CIC

Independent Chair and Non-Executive Director Recruitment

Somerset Skills & Learning CIC (SS&L)
Voluntary roles | Somerset / Hybrid

Changing lives through learning

Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) is a thriving Community Interest Company delivering education and skills to around 4,000 learners each year. Working with over 145 employers, we improve confidence, wellbeing, employability and life chances across Somerset and beyond.

We are now seeking two Independent Non-Executive Directors to join our Board at an exciting and pivotal time.

Following seven successful years on the Board, our Chair will step down in November 2026. As part of this recruitment, we will identify our next Non-Executive Chair, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a values-driven organisation making a tangible difference.

The Opportunities

Non-Executive Director – Finance & Sustainability

You will bring senior financial leadership experience to help guide SS&L’s long-term sustainability.

You will contribute to:

• Financial strategy, oversight and resilience
• Risk management, audit and governance
• Supporting sustainable, values-led growth

Non-Executive Director – Further Education Quality & Impact

You will bring expertise from the further education or skills sector to help ensure high-quality outcomes.

You will contribute to:

• Quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Learner outcomes and progression
• Strategic curriculum development aligned to community need

About the Roles

As a Board member, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight, challenge and support
• Help shape organisational direction and impact
• Work collaboratively with fellow Directors and the Executive team

From these appointments, we are particularly interested in individuals with the capability and interest to step into the Chair role.

Commitment

• Approximately 4–5 hours per month
• Four Board meetings per year (hybrid)
• Participation in sub-committees
• Voluntary roles (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About You

We are looking for individuals who:

• Bring senior leadership or Board-level experience
• Can offer constructive challenge and strategic insight
• Share our commitment to inclusion, learning and community impact

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
 

How to Apply

Full details about this opportunity in the attached brief. For a confidential discussion, please contact Anna Jay, Managing Director, Public Leaders Appointments

Closing date for applications: Midday, 21st May 2026. Interviews 10th or 11th June 2026.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to help shape an organisation that is transforming lives through learning, we would love to hear from you.

�� 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 - Program & Impact Expert (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

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

Purpose: To oversee program design, evaluation, and delivery quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide development of youth and family support programs.

• Ensure alignment between mission, outcomes, and measurable impact.

• Oversee safeguarding and quality assurance standards.

• Provide expertise in social work, education, or community development.

• Mentor staff to maintain high ethical and service standards.

Requirements/Skills:

• Background in social work, education, youth engagement, or nonprofit program management.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion.

• Data-driven mindset with empathy and creativity.

Benefits:

• Direct influence on the lives of vulnerable youth and families.

• Leadership in creating innovative, measurable community impact.

• Recognition as a founding architect of transformative social programs.

College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH)
Voluntary role | Travel expenses reimbursed | Hybrid (London and/or virtual)

CoSRH is seeking an experienced Digital, Technology and Cyber Security Trustee to join its Board and provide strategic leadership on technology, digital innovation, data governance, and cyber security.

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance, sustainability, and strategic direction of CoSRH. In this specialist role, you will act as the Board’s lead on digital and technology matters, offering insight and constructive challenge to ensure CoSRH’s technology strategy is forward‑looking, secure, ethical, and aligned with the organisation’s mission and member needs.

Key responsibilities include overseeing digital transformation and technology investment, advising on cyber security risk and incident preparedness, supporting data protection and GDPR compliance, and contributing to decisions on technology procurement and supplier management. You will also help the Board understand the implications of emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, and support the development of digital capability and awareness across the organisation.

We are looking for someone with significant senior‑level experience in IT, digital technology, or cyber security, ideally with board or executive‑level exposure. You will be able to communicate complex technical issues clearly to non‑technical audiences and have a strong understanding of governance, risk, and compliance. Experience in the charity, healthcare, or membership sectors is desirable but not essential.

Time commitment: Approximately 12 days per year
Term: Three years, with the possibility of renewal

This is an excellent opportunity to use your expertise to make a meaningful impact in a respected healthcare charity.

TRUSTEE VACANCY | COVENTRY CITIZENS ADVICE
Volunteer | Board Role | Coventry | ~5–7 hours/month | Reviewed regularly

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Coventry Citizens Advice is recruiting new trustees to join its Board of Directors.

We are one of the largest local Citizens Advice charities in England, helping more than 14,000 people each year with issues including debt, housing, welfare benefits and fuel poverty. For over 80 years we have been a trusted source of free, independent advice for the people of Coventry — and demand for our services has never been higher.

This is a genuine governance role. You will help set our strategic direction, oversee our finances, ensure we meet our legal duties as a charity, and hold the organisation accountable to the communities it serves. We want trustees who engage with the detail and bring their professional judgement to decisions that matter.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

No previous trustee or board experience is required — just sound independent judgement, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in:
→ Law
→ Fundraising
→ Research and Campaigns

These areas are of direct strategic importance to our work, and applicants with this background will be especially welcomed.

THE ROLE

- Time commitment: approximately 5–7 hours per month (meetings held in the evenings)
- Voluntary and unpaid; reasonable expenses reimbursed
- Full induction and ongoing training provided

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

- Real experience of charity governance and strategic leadership
- Development of financial, legal and governance skills
- A meaningful leadership credential for your CV
- The opportunity to make a direct difference to thousands of lives in Coventry

WHO WE WANT TO HEAR FROM

We are committed to a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. All backgrounds and employment histories are welcome.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the application form and read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Please do not send a CV without an application form — it will not receive a response.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Closing date: 30 July 2026.

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Coventry Citizens Advice | 1–7 Station Street East, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 5FL
Registered charity. Trustee positions are voluntary and unpaid.

About CSE

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) supports people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We undertake practical work to support households and communities to act on energy, alongside original research and analysis to inform local and national policy.

We are one of the UK’s leading sustainable energy charities, with a 45-year track record of award-winning impact, innovation and influence, as most recently detailed in our 2024–25 Impact Report available on our website.

About the role

Our Board of Trustees is critical to our continuing success. Trustees work collaboratively, providing support, insight and constructive challenge to help shape CSE’s strategy and ambition, and enhance our effectiveness and charitable impact.

Due to the planned stepping down of some of our board members, we are recruiting up to four new trustees to join the board and provide effective governance and support in the next phase of CSE’s development.

Who we’re looking for

All applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in and commitment to CSE’s work and charitable objectives.

We are particularly seeking new trustees who bring expertise in at least one of the following areas:

• Knowledge and understanding of the community energy sector, including the challenges and opportunities of delivering local or community energy projects, and how these connect to national policy
• Expertise in organisational development, with a good appreciation of issues associated with employment law
• Experience of finance, accounting and audit, for example through holding a role with financial responsibility in an organisation or from having set up, grown or led a business
• Strong knowledge of voluntary and community sector (VCS) networks, including practical experience of community organising and an understanding of the role grassroots organisations play in affecting social change

We would also welcome applicants who bring:

• Broader expertise directly associated with at least one of CSE’s work programmes (fuel poverty advice and support, housing energy retrofit, community action on energy, local net zero delivery, future generations, or fairness in the energy system)
• Understanding of the causes and impacts of fuel poverty, and the solutions required to tackle it
• Knowledge of the UK energy system, including the policy and regulatory environment, and the transition to a fairer, more flexible, decarbonised energy system
• An understanding of the national policy environment underpinning CSE’s work, including experience of influencing national energy policy

We are keen to widen the range of perspectives represented on the board and welcome applications from young people, people from under-represented groups, disabled people, and people with lived experience of CSE’s work.

If you are interested but unsure whether you meet all of the criteria, we would encourage you to apply or get in touch for an informal conversation.

Find out more and apply

For more information on the role, including the full person specification and how to apply, please see the trustee candidate pack on our website. 

Closing date: Midday on Wednesday 10 June 2026.

Trustee Opportunities at Suffolk County Football Association

Do you want to help create positive change through football? By joining Suffolk FA as a Trustee, you can play an important role in shaping the future of grassroots football in the county and supporting an organisation that makes a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.

We are looking for people who share our values and are motivated by our mission. You do not need to have been a trustee before. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who can bring skills or experience in Digital Engagement and Communications and/or Risk Management, but above all we value curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

This is an opportunity to join a forward‑thinking, community‑focused charity and contribute your perspective, skills, and lived experience to help football be more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone.

If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact, bringing fresh ideas, and helping shape a more inclusive game, we would love to hear from you.

Who is the Suffolk County Football Association?

Suffolk FA is the governing body for football in Suffolk and is part of the affiliated County network for the Football Association. Suffolk FA is also a registered charity with a role and remit to promote, develop and support participation, promote the game and support the health and wellbeing of the people of Suffolk.

Our purpose is to inspire positive change through football by driving the local game to unite communities. We tackle inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of people across Suffolk. We work with 330 clubs representing players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

What matters to Suffolk County Football Association?

Our vision? ‘A Thriving Local Game’, and we work across our whole football community and other partners to make this happen. Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of what we do and this is underpinned by strong safeguarding.

Our values guide everything we do. We are Inclusive, Team-focused, Respectful, Open, Empowering, and Innovative. We expect all Trustees to model these behaviours and to act with integrity, fairness, and accountability in their role.

If you join us at Suffolk County Football Association…

You’ll be joining a committed and welcoming community of staff and volunteers who care deeply about the impact of their work.

Being a Trustee is a rewarding way to give back using your skills and experience, while also learning from others around the Board table. It’s an opportunity to contribute with purpose, build new knowledge, and grow your confidence in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Suffolk FA!

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

What’s next – how do I apply for the Trustee roles?

Eastside People is supporting the Suffolk County Football Association in the recruitment of these roles.

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in a Trustee role at Suffolk FA?
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills would you bring to the role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

You are welcome to send your cover letter in writing, or as a video or audio clip, alongside your CV.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 20th May. Online shortlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place shortly after. Face-to-face interviews with Suffolk FA will take place in the week commencing the 1st of June.

We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!

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

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.

Epilepsy Action is a national charity with a bold vision: to create a world without limits for people with epilepsy. In 2024 we launched an ambitious new strategy to grow our income and extend the support we offer. After a successful start, we are ready for the next stage in the strategy, and we are looking for new trustees to join our Board and help turn our ambition into lasting impact.

You will bring the skills, values and perspective to help our charity thrive, whether that’s a track record of leading growth and transformation, the ability to open doors through your networks, experience in health or the medical sector, or expertise in law, digital technology or fundraising.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and effective Board that reflects the communities we serve, and people affected by epilepsy. We welcome applications from everyone and are particularly keen to hear from people who are underrepresented on charity boards, including people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and people of different ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe greater diversity makes for better decisions.

If you want to help shape a world without limits for people affected by epilepsy, and use your voice and influence to raise understanding of the condition, then we would love to hear from you.

Purpose of the Role 

The role of a trustee is to share the Board’s collective responsibility for the effective governance and leadership of the charity, setting our strategic direction and major policies in accordance with our objectives, vision, mission and values.

Epilepsy Action (registered as the British Epilepsy Association) is both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. As such, trustees are both charity trustees and company directors and have the statutory and legal duties which these roles impose.

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role with a three-year term of office, renewable for up to two consecutive terms.

You need to be able to commit approximately 6–12 days per year, including: 

• Four Board meetings per annum, plus meeting preparation 

• Subcommittee meetings (if applicable) 

• Strategy days, training, and occasional events 

Meetings are a combination of hybrid and fully remote, with an annual in-person meeting in September in Leeds. Overnight accommodation will be booked for trustees and travelling expenses reimbursed for in–person meetings. 

To Apply 

For any questions in advance of your application please contact us via our recruitment email.

To make an application please send your CV and a supporting statement to our recruitment email.

Your supporting statement should answer the following questions:

· What has drawn you to apply to be a trustee for Epilepsy Action?

· What are the main skills and experience that you bring that could benefit the charity?

· How do you think your values align with Epilepsy Action’s values of being supportive, empowering, inclusive and ambitious?

We also ask candidates to fill in the Trustee Application Questionnaire as part of the recruitment process.  This form includes sections for diversity monitoring, as well as skills and experience.

If you need any adjustments to support you to apply or take part in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal meeting where they will have a chance to find out more about our work.

Formal interviews will be with the Chair, the CEO and relevant members of the Board and / or Advisory Panels will take place at the end of May and beginning of June.

About Talkthru

Talkthru is a specialist counselling charity based in Huddersfield, offering free, confidential support to individuals and families affected by pregnancy loss, baby loss and other birth-related trauma.

Our Board of Trustees oversees Talkthru’s strategic direction, governance, and financial health, ensuring that we remain sustainable, ethical, and effective. This is where you come in.

Role Purpose

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic leadership of Talkthru. Trustees ensure that the charity fulfils its mission, operates lawfully and ethically, and maintains the trust of clients, donors, and the wider community.

We are particularly keen to welcome a Trustee with a legal background to strengthen the Board’s expertise in governance, compliance, and risk management. This person will help ensure the charity’s operations, policies, and services comply with relevant laws, including charity law, counselling practice standards, safeguarding, and data protection.

See attachment for full role description.