External trustee volunteer volunteer roles

The Baobab Centre supports young asylum seekers and refugees who have experienced severe human rights abuses and arrived in the UK as unaccompanied minors. Our work focuses on rehabilitation and justice, providing long-term, holistic support to help young people heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.

We are at an exciting time of change within the organisation and now seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide Baobab through its next phase of development. 

The Baobab Centre is looking for new Trustees with experience of one of more of the following - management at a senior level in the third sector; fundraising; IT & Digital, IT Security; or clinical practice in psychotherapy.

Lived experience of the asylum and social care systems in the UK and/or work experience with young asylum seekers and refugees is particularly welcome. We also actively welcome young professionals and first-time trustees who are motivated to learn, bring fresh perspectives, and contribute their skills to an impactful charity.

External Trustee   

Durham Students’ Union  
Location: Durham  
Commitment: Voluntary  

Term: Four years (renewable)  
Closing date: Midday on 29 May 2026  

Atkinson HR  and Marble Mayne are pleased to be supporting Durham SU in their search for two External Trustees to join their Board.  

Durham students created Durham SU in 1899 as the Student Representative Council, the first and only thing owned by every single student at our university, no matter what their course or College.   

Over one hundred years later, student life is very different, but much of what we think is important and the way we work would be recognisable to our founders. We’re still unique at Durham, because we belong to every single student, and we’re where every single student belongs.  

 Durham is a leading students’ union, working with a world-class university, in an exceptional city, and our foundations are strong. We’re proud and privileged to be able to use this heritage to be ambitious about our future.   

 Our Board of Trustees is now looking for two new members of, and we’re so pleased you may be interested in helping us to bring students together to make Durham University fairer and better.  

About the Role  

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of students in Durham. As an External Trustee, you will play a key role in setting and monitoring Durham SU’s strategy, providing financial oversight, managing risk, and ensuring the organisation remains fit for purpose. The Board meets five times per year, with trustees also invited to engage in other opportunities such as sitting on an appointments panel, meeting with auditors or attending a student awards ceremony 

Durham SU is keen to hear from individuals who are curious, genuine and enthusiastic about Durham SU doing well. They are particularly interested in candidates who bring knowledge of the Higher Education sector or Students' Unions, and experience in political, corporate or financial settings. 

Durham SU will also welcome applications from first-time trustees and aim to have an inclusive Board with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.   

How to Apply  

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:  

• Tell us why you’d like to join Durham SU as a Trustee and how do your personal values align with the SU’s?  

• What knowledge, abilities, and experience can you contribute to our Board’s collective skills?  

• How would you add value to the Board and our work to support students?  

Each answer should be a maximum of 400 words.  

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Atkinson HR via. the details in the candidate pack. 

Key Dates  

Closing Date: Midday on Friday 29th May 2026 

Interviews: Monday 8th June 2026 

As our Chair of Trustees, we offer you a deeply rewarding role with the opportunity of personal fulfilment, leadership development, purpose and connection through your vital contribution to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected charity. You will ensure we achieve our mission to provide outstanding, free end-of-life care within our community.You will work alongside a skilled and passionate Board and executive team and have the chance to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of local people and their families.

We are seeking a passionate Chair of Trustees to help shape the future of our hospice and champion our vision that everyone has the opportunity to die at home with our community-based hospice care.

The Chair of Trustees will hold the Board and Senior Management Team to account for The Lullaby Trust’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. 

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to become our next Chair of Trustees — and help shape the future of Little Village. 
 
What began as a grassroots response has grown into a London‑wide baby bank network, supporting thousands of families every year. But with more than one in three children in London living in poverty, our work — and our ambition — has never mattered more. 
 
Over the next chapter, we plan to expand our reach across London and scale our advocacy, including our national leadership as a co-founder of the Baby Bank Alliance, to drive lasting systems change for families experiencing poverty. 
 
As our current Chair’s term comes to an end in early 2027, we’re seeking someone with strong governance experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to social impact — someone ready to help lead an organisation with growing influence, reach and responsibility. 

We’d love to hear from you if you:  

• Have experience chairing boards, committees or senior leadership meetings.  

• Have strong understanding of governance (best practice)  

• Have experience of charity fundraising and income generation  

• Can commit the time and expertise to play a key role on our Board.  

• Share our passion for tackling child poverty and supporting families.  

This is an opportunity to play a defining role in a movement for change. 

We are especially keen to diversify our Board and particularly welcome applications from men and people under-represented in charity governance, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people with lived experience of poverty.  

Next steps  

If joining the Little Village family sounds appealing, we’d love to hear from you. You can find more details in our recruitment pack, including how to arrange an informal chat before applying 

Find out more and apply here: Recruitment - Little Village 

Closing date: 12pm, Wednesday 3rd June 

The Biochemical Society is seeking to recruit three Independent Trustees for the Council of Trustees to serve an initial five-year term of office, with the potential to extend to a maximum eight-year term. Our Trustees shape the direction of the Society and the delivery of our work; promoting the importance of the molecular biosciences as a discipline, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and expertise and supporting molecular bio-scientists across all career stages.

As an Independent Trustee you will work closely with the wider Trustee Council to set the Society’s strategy, maintain oversight of the organisations’ financial position and manage organisational risk. Contributing an independent voice to discussions, you will collaborate effectively with others for the benefit of the Society. Trustees gain valuable experience in board/committee work, board room dynamics and the overall governance of a charity and company, whilst helping to make a real difference for the molecular bioscience community.

Trustees work closely with senior staff members, and other volunteers across the Society’s governance framework. The anticipated time commitment is approximately 12 days per year, for which reasonable expenses will be reimbursed should travel be required.

We are looking for individuals who are excited about contributing to the Society’s endeavours over the coming five-year period. Successful candidates will have:
• Good strategic vision and independent judgement
• Understanding of financial and organisational risk management and mitigation
• Willingness to contribute and collaborate, ad to act as an ambassador for the Society
We are particularly interested to hear from people with experience of business and/or commercial transformation, particularly in a charity, learned society or mission-led organisation. This could include:
• Creating, capturing and sustaining value in evolving operating environments and developing sustainable non-profit revenue models
• Shifting an organisation from one business model to another
• Leveraging digital platforms, data and technology (including AI where relevant) to enable scale, efficiency or new forms of value creation

Closing date for applications is Friday 22nd May 2026.

If you have any queries about this role, please email Sarah Jenner – Head of Governance, Marketing and EDI. To apply, please send in a CV and Cover letter via the apply button. It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter.

We know that diverse teams make us stronger and more effective as an organisation, and we look forward to hearing from all interested candidates. Please note, you do not need to be based in the UK to apply for these roles.

The Society takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Please note that due to limited resources it is not possible for the Society to acknowledge receipt of applications. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

We’re looking for a new Brand, Communications and Creative Trustee who can use their skills to support our growing charity. In early 2026, CLAPA relaunched with a new brand identity. This role will ensure that our team are supported in brand and content strategy and making the most of the new brand for growth and engagement.

The Brand, Communications and Creative Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance with a special interest in brand strategy, content, communications and creative to support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we continue to implement our 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

About CLAPA

The Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone.

Looking to Make a Difference? Join Where Next as a Board Trustee!

Are you a passionate professional who wants to make an impact beyond the workplace?

About Where Next
Where Next is a charity based in Redditch, Worcestershire and Studley, Warwickshire providing support to adults with learning disabilities.  Founded over 40 years ago by caring parents it has grown from strengthen to strengthen and now provides day care for 150 clients.  The care and support is centred around horticultural and social activities but it also covers many other activities for the clients ensuring that is a varied and engaging programme of activities, nurturing the potential of everyone who attends Where Next

The charity is led by a Chief Executive and a passionate and experienced Board consisting of an excellent Senior Management team and Trustees.  There are 20 staff in total 

The charity has just commenced a developmental journey which will be looking at redesigning the facilities and services ensuring that the charity continues to be relevant going forward. 

Our webpage provides mor information and insight to the work of the charity

What we are looking for.

The Board are looking to strengthen existing skills and knowledge that currently exists and would like to appointment Trustees with any of the following skills and experiences.

Ø  Parent/ carer of an individual with Learning and Disabilities - living or professional experience – bringing day to day experiences to ensure that the Charities strategy is appropriate from a user’s perspective

Ø  Health and safety contract management – providing expertise in all aspects of safety aspect

Ø  Fund raising and PR/marketing including social media - Bringing innovative ideas to expand our reach and connect more people with our cause.

Ø  Project management – sharing skills to aid strategy of charities developments

Ø  Business planning and/or Business Case development -providing skills for the creation of business cases

Ø  Horticultural management – Bringing leadership to support the activities of the charity

Ø  Education /Training/ skills and personal development - offering insights to help improve and develop our Board and workforce

Why Become a Trustee While Working Full-Time?

• Enhance Your Professional Skills: Gain leadership, governance, and strategic experience that complements your career development.
• Broaden Your Network: Collaborate with like-minded professionals, build relationships across sectors, and expand your influence.
• Flexible Commitment: We understand your time is valuable. Our trustee roles are designed to fit alongside your job, with regular meetings and flexible involvement options.
• Make a Real Difference: Your expertise can shape the future of a charity that empowers individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

What’s Involved?

• Board Meetings: Attend approximately 4 meetings per year (held in person and/or virtually).
• Strategic Guidance: Work with fellow trustees to set the long-term vision and strategy of "Where Next" and oversee its implementation.
• Support & Advice: Provide expertise in your specific area while supporting the leadership team on key decisions and projects.
• Advocacy: Use your professional network to champion our cause and help us grow.

The application process

Applications are welcomed and applicants should send CVs and a supporting statement detailing what has attracted the applicants to Where Next to the Chief Executive. 

The shortlisted applicants will be invited for initial discussion with the chairman and CEO.

Interested in supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse?

We are currently recruiting Trustees to help us take the charity forward into the future.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a registered charity led by a Board of Trustees.

The Trustees (all unpaid volunteers) act individually and collectively, to provide overall stewardship of the charity, in accordance with our governing document and relevant legislation. In essence we look after the staff, volunteers and the organisation, so they can support the community.

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be a trustee and we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

Prospective candidates will need to:

• Have empathy with the work of the Helpline

• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort

• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Have good judgement

• Be able to work as a team

• Have the ability, commitment and drive to take the organisation forward

Trustee Opportunities

For any charity succession planning is important and with that in mind we are currently looking for people to join our Board as Trustees.

1. Chair: Our Chair will be stepping down soon after 15 years and we are looking for someone to learn the ropes beside her before taking on the role. 

2. Treasurer: After 10 years, our Treasurer is looking to retire in the next year. The Treasurer’s role description is on our website.  

3. General Trustees: Please see the role description on our website

If you would like to apply please complete the application form on our website.  You are welcome also to email Chris Roach, Chair, at that address to arrange an informal chat.

Want to make a difference? Could you help us?

New trustees wanted

We are looking for up to three people to be active members of our Board of Trustees.
Together with the other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders you will help the
Foodbank deliver a non-judgemental and compassionate service, and help us as we
work towards a future where foodbanks are no longer needed. The Trustee may be
asked to take the lead on specific areas of our work, utilising their experience and
skills. We are particularly keen to hear from people who have experience in
fundraising/bid writing, human resources, communications/PR, and property
management.

Our vision

Our vision is a future where our foodbank is no longer needed because people can
afford the essentials and get the support they need when they need it, preventing them
from reaching a point of crisis.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide a compassionate, dignified, and non-judgemental service to
people within our community. We do this by working in partnership with other
organisations to provide holistic support that enables people to find a way out of their
crisis. We work together with partners and the other foodbanks in RCT to identify and
address the root causes of people needing to use our foodbank to alleviate poverty
within our community.
Volunteering is a fantastic way for you to be involved in your local community and
volunteers are at the heart of all that we do as a Foodbank.

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.

Help us support families to get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy; an important timeframe as we review the Government’s White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Governance
• Marketing and social media
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 29 May 2026

First-round interviews: week commencing 29 June 2026

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity, offering a range of support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in and around Oxford. We provide everything from advice, visits, legal support, education, assistance finding employment and even helping secure free bus passes.

We currently have a strong and capable Board with a wide-ranging skill set and we are seeking a Chairperson who can provide strong leadership and a collaborative approach.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxfordshire community to help strengthen our governance and our approach. We are seeking a new Chair with a range of skills and experience. In particular, we are looking for people who can demonstrate :

· Experience of leadership

· Commitment to the aims and values of Asylum Welcome

· Tact and diplomacy

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Good facilitation skills

· Impartiality, fairness and discretion

· Empathy with the challenges of running a highly diverse. largely volunteer-based organisation in a subject area which is both topical and challenging.

As Chair you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers, primarily in the Oxfordshire area, empowering them to rebuild their lives here in safety.  This role offers a valuable opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds, and a job share arrangement would be considered. The role is currently shared by two Trustees as Co-Chairs who are retiring as Trustees after many years of service.

The Chair position is not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Teams and in-person) 6 - 8 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Dates are agreed a year in advance.

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Asylum Welcome and a fantastic opportunity to influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity.

For more information see the full role description.

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees – someone who will work closely with our Executive Team and Board to guide the organisation through what is both a challenging and genuinely exciting time. The funding environment is tough. The political context is difficult. And yet the need for what we do has never been greater.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, well-established, national charity as it navigates the next chapter of its story.

Main tasks

• Developing and setting our future strategy, alongside the Executive Team and other Trustees
• Helping shape and deliver our future, identifying opportunities in an evolving landscape
• Leading the Board of Trustees, including regular 1:1s and providing space for reflection
• Acting as a 'critical friend' to our Executive Team, as well as formal line management to the CEO (and COO in their absence)
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity – raising awareness of what we do and engaging potential supporters and other key stakeholders
• Responsibility, along with the other trustees, for the governance of the charity
• Contributing to the ongoing strategy of the charity, in line with our charitable objectives
• Participating in board meetings and sub-committees in an inclusive and thoughtful way

Please download our Chair Application Pack for more information.