External trustees volunteer roles

External Trustee  

Liverpool Guild of Students 
Location: Liverpool 
Commitment: Voluntary 

Term: Four years (renewable) 
Closing date: Midday on Tuesday 7th April 2026 

Atkinson HR and Marble Mayne are pleased to be supporting Liverpool Guild of Students in their search for an External Trustee to join their Board. 

Liverpool Guild of Students is an independent, student-led charity dedicated to enhancing the student experience at the University of Liverpool. With 32,000 members, they are committed to creating a home for every student, ensuring each one gets the most out of university life and leaves equipped to change the world.

As they continue to strengthen their governance and long-term impact, they are seeking a committed and strategic individual to join their Board of Trustees and help guide their mission of creating an exceptional university experience for every student. 

About the Role 

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of students in Liverpool. As an External Trustee, you will play a key role in setting and monitoring the Guild's strategy, providing financial oversight, managing risk, and ensuring the organisation remains fit for purpose. The Board meets four times per year, with trustees also invited to sit on sub-committees covering Resources & Audit, People, Culture & EDI, and Governance & Appointments. 

The Guild is keen to hear from individuals who can think strategically, critically evaluate complex issues, and contribute meaningfully to Board discussions. They are particularly interested in candidates who bring networks within Liverpool, knowledge of the Higher Education sector or Students' Unions, experience of complex multi-service organisations, or expertise in EDI best practice. First-time trustees are warmly welcomed, and the Guild is committed to building 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 the Guild as a Trustee and how do your personal values align with the Guild’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. 

Key Dates 

Closing Date: Midday on Tuesday 7th April 2026 

Interviews: Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th April 2026 

Become a Trustee at Wessex Cancer Support

Use your expertise to change lives across Wessex

Every year, over 14,000 people in Wessex hear the words no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.” At Wessex Cancer Support, we’re here to make sure no one faces that moment - or the months and years that follow - alone. We offer free, personalised emotional and wellbeing support through our four centres, outreach work and online services, helping people live well with and beyond cancer.

We’re now looking to recruit new Trustees to join our Board at a pivotal moment in our 45-year journey. As we deliver our five-year strategy and respond to rising demand, your insight and leadership will help shape the future of cancer support across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome people with professional or commercial experience in areas such as:

• Fundraising
• Marketing & brand
• IT, CRM or data management
• HR & people

But above all, we’re looking for people who share our values - compassion, purpose, inclusivity and collaboration - and who want to make a meaningful difference.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and we are particularly keen to build an ethnically diverse Board to ensure we fully represent our communities.

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or stepping into governance for the first time, we’ll support you with a structured induction, mentoring and ongoing development.

What you’ll do

As a Trustee, you’ll help steer the strategic direction of the charity, support our CEO and senior team, and ensure we remain financially resilient and fit for the future.
You’ll bring your expertise, your curiosity and your commitment to helping us reach more people affected by cancer.

Time commitment:

• Four Board meetings a year
• One annual strategy day
• Optional sub-committee involvement
• Occasional events and ad hoc discussions

This is a voluntary role; reasonable expenses are covered.

Ready to make a real impact?

To apply, send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you’d like to join us and what you’ll bring to the Board.

Are you passionate about using your skills and expertise to help support and develop a UK-wide relationships and sex education charity?

Sexpression:UK provides high quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education workshops to young people between the ages of 11-18 in schools and youth groups. We operate across the UK through our unique network of affiliated branches and volunteers based at universities and students’ unions in 15 towns and cities.

You will have strong empathy with our mission to educate and empower young people to make individual, informed decisions about their bodies and their health. You will be committed to using your expertise to contribute to the future development of the charity and ensuring high quality governance of the organisation.

We are looking for a motivated individual with demonstrable experience in leadership or governance to join our board as Chair of Trustees.This is an exciting time to join our charity with the opportunity to contribute to a unique youth-led charity playing a leading role in some of today’s biggest issues.

The Bevan Foundation is seeking new trustees to join its Board.

Could you support the Bevan Foundation in its mission to end poverty and inequality in Wales?

About the Bevan Foundation

The Bevan Foundation is Wales's most influential think tank. We create insights, ideas and impact that help to end poverty and inequality. Over recent years the Foundation has helped secure real and lasting change for people across Wales, from universal free school meals for primary pupils to increases in Education Maintenance Allowance. We’ve built a reputation for trusted, evidence-based insights and ideas that influence decision-makers and improve lives.

About this role

We are looking for new trustees to join our board to fill vacancies. 

This is an exciting opportunity to get involved with our high impact team. You’ll help the organisation to increase understanding of the challenges facing people in Wales, help to develop effective solutions and keep the charity on course.

The usual term of office of trustees is four years, with the possibility of another four-year term thereafter.

Trustees do not get paid, although reasonable expenses for travel may be claimed.

About you

We are looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of the people of Wales, and who want to make a difference by generating insights that help to change public policy and practice.

Trustees come from all walks of life – there are no specific qualifications or experiences we require. However, applications from people with fundraising or senior leadership experience, or from people fluent in the Welsh language, would be particularly welcome.

We want our board to reflect the breadth of Wales’ population. We welcome applications from everyone, but would particularly like to hear from younger people, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and people in north and west Wales. We’d also welcome applications from people working in front-line roles with people on low-incomes.

Don’t worry if you haven’t had experience of being a trustee or board member before. We will offer you support and training to help you to undertake your role, and in addition we’re aiming to partner with external board training programmes.

Download the information pack to find out how to apply or how to contact us with any questions. 

About the board and Trustee role 

Trustees are volunteers who oversee the strategic direction of the charity and ensure its compliance with regulators and the law. They are also ambassadors for the charity; and they provide the staff team, which does the day-to-day work, with both scrutiny and support.

The full board meets quarterly. Two meetings focus on ‘business’ – approving budgets and policies, making key decisions, etc. The other two are more discursive, covering strategic issues.

We have four sub-committees: Finance Audit Investment & Risk, Impact & Income Development, Research & Policy, and Governance & People. Trustees are generally encouraged to join at least one sub-committee, which gives them more detailed insight into the charity’s work in that area. A number of trustees choose to sit on multiple sub-committees (there is no upper limit) and trustees are also welcome to attend any sub-committee, for example as a one-off, to see what happens or if they have an interest in a particular agenda item. Sub-committees also meet quarterly.

And there is usually one strategy day a year.

We currently have eight trustees on our board, with experience in public affairs, law, policing, business, research, marketing, inclusion and influencing government. We are looking to a recruit four further trustees. Our primary focus is to bring different perspectives to the board rather than skills, given that the delivery of the charity’s work is delegated to a skilled staff team. 

• One trustee with experience of research (of any type) – an attitude of curiosity, intellectual rigour and open-mindedness. 

• One trustee with professional experience of alcohol treatment (at any level) – the perspective of delivering compassionate support via treatment services, whether charity or NHS settings. 

• One trustee with experience of strategic charity finance – especially interest in weighing up long-term financial strategic choices (not month-to-month financial management: we have a finance team). 

• One trustee from any background. 

 All trustees are asked to bring a commitment to and passion for our vision, mission and values.

What we can offer 

1. Our board of trustees, and our charity as a whole, is warm and welcoming.

2. Everyone is entitled to have their views heard and we work hard to be inclusive of everyone.

3. We are well organised and professionally run.

4. We are a dynamic and fast-paced organisation, with a huge range of interesting work happening.

5. You will have opportunities for personal development and to attend a range of interesting events in your role as a trustee.

6. Finally, and most importantly, we are laser-focused on making as much difference as possible to end alcohol harm.    

Trustees’ Role Description and Person Specification 

Being a Trustee of Alcohol Change UK 

Our Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the UK’s leading charity in the field of alcohol harm. We are a registered charity (No. 1140287) and a company limited by guarantee (No.

07462605). Our trustees are also members of the charity and directors of the company. Governance is in accordance with both charity and company law. This role description uses the term ‘trustee’ to refer to all three roles (trustee, member, director).

As well as overseeing proper governance, the Board is responsible for strategic decision-making, upholding the reputation of the charity and ensuring that it delivers on its charitable object to reduce alcohol harm. As a trustee you will share this collective responsibility and bring your personal perspectives, skills, experience and connections to bear.

This is an important time for the charity, as we are in the third year of our five-year strategy (Apr 2024 to Mar 2029). Our new trustees will play a key role in helping us deliver on this strategy and in particular navigating a major change in our financial position. 

The Duties and Responsibilities of Trustees 

Governing Documents 

Our primary governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association which sets out the formal duties and responsibilities of the trustees, directors and members. It is complemented by our Scheme of Delegation. We have also adopted the Code of Good Governance, and remain compliant with the rules of the Charity Commissioners and Companies House. 

General Duties and Responsibilities 

The following are general duties, based on documentation from the Charity Commission and Companies House: 

1. To act in the interests of the charity’s objects – that is, its cause and its beneficiaries. 
2. To act reasonably and prudently in all matters. 
3. To avoid personal views and prejudices affecting your decision-making. 
4. To protect – and actively promote – the property, interests and reputation of the charity. 
5. To set the strategic direction, provide strategic oversight, and make critical decisions. 
6. To always make decisions collectively as a board and in particular to actively support all board decisions (that are made in accordance with the charity’s constitution) regardless of your personal position on such decisions. 
7. To understand how the charity works, including being fully aware of the charity’s general risks and its financial position. 
8. To ensure compliance with all statutory requirements as set out by Companies House and the Charity Commission and by other relevant statutory bodies and legislation. 
9. To challenge and support the CEO and, through them, the broader staff team. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

The following additional duties and responsibilities have been adopted by Alcohol Change UK: 

1. To abide by Alcohol Change UK’s policies, such as those on equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding, code of conduct, conflicts of interest, GDPR, etc. 
2. To endeavour to achieve at least 75% attendance at Board meetings. In accordance with the governing documents, trustees missing three consecutive board meetings without reasonable cause will normally be asked to step down. 
3. To undertake training as required and to participate in an annual development appraisal. 
4. To join at least one of the charity’s four sub-committees. 
5. To represent Alcohol Change UK at events and to act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK amongst its key audiences. 
6. To understand and respect the boundary between governance and the operational matters that are delegated to the staff team. 
7. To respond to Alcohol Change UK correspondence in a timely manner. 

Person Specification

All trustees need the following:

1. Strong commitment to the vision, values and mission of Alcohol Change UK.
2. An ability to think strategically; that is, thinking of the big picture and the long-term, being impact-focused, and considering the relationship between internal and external factors.
3. An ability to work as part of a team, especially understanding and respecting the nature of collective decision-making.
4. Excellent communications skills, especially active listening, succinctness, clarity, positivity and tact.
5. Commitment to the 7 Nolan Principles on Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
6. Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
7. A willingness to contribute your individual skills, perspectives, knowledge and experience without acting as representative of any particular interest.

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three or four years, following which they may be re-elected for a second and third term of three years. 

Trustee roles are unremunerated but reasonable travel, accommodation, childcare and subsistence expenses are of course covered. 

We are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee role here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.

The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our Sabbatical and Student Trustees foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student-focused service.

You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are within the first year of our 2025-2030 Strategy.  If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.

We are especially keen to hear from applicants based in the South West, with experience in any of the below areas:

· Finance:

o Financial planning and management

o Development of income streams and financial sustainability

· Law and Compliance:

o Charity Law

o Employment Law

· People:

o HR management 

o Learning and development

· Fundraising:

o Grant fundraising 

o Social investment and enterprise

o Developing commercial income streams 

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

Why Should You Become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees. This is dependent on vacancies for these roles.

You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.

Job Description

We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our Board of Trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.

Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.

Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:

· Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.

· Additional four (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 1 hour.

· There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).

Term of office: three years, up to three terms.

Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.

Role Purpose:

The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy, approving and monitoring delivery plans.

How To Apply

Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 13 April. Applications will be considered and shortlisted upon receipt, with interviews to take place (online) on a rolling basis.  

Ideally, you will be available to attend a Trustee Induction on the morning of Tuesday 23 June, ahead of the first Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday 24 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Wednesday 01 July.

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

We are currently looking to recruit an external trustee to join our Board of Trustees and also act as chair to the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee. We will also require the trustee to support our whistleblowing policy, acting as the nominated trustee contact for whistleblowing concerns.  You’ll champion openness and ensure the organisation has safe, fair, and effective processes for raising and handling concerns.

Your SU is overseen by our Board of Trustees, and our trading subsidiary (CUSU Services Ltd) is overseen by our Commercial Services Board . They are both made up of a collection of our elected Officers, students, university staff and external professionals that ensure the Charity and the Trading Subsidiary remain sustainable in terms of finance, legality and reputational status.

You will be expected to attend Board meetings 4 times per year – these will be a mix of in person and Teams meetings. You will also be expected to support at least one sub-committee of the Trustee Board (3-4 times per year) as well as complete training and induction. You will need some time to allow for prereading of reports and other documentation before meetings. 

Trustee meetings are typically held on a Friday afternoon 1pm-4pm. Most of the meetings are online, although you would be offered travel expenses for any face-to-face meetings (and hybrid meetings are usually offered if you do need to join remotely.) There is also a strategy day once a year as well as the occasional social activity!

For this trustee role, we are looking for an experienced professional ideally with third-sector governance experience. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees the trustee will be required to chair the Finance and Audit subcommittee and should possess a strong finance background with analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information.

We are especially keen to encourage applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, including but not limited to those from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and those from a Global Majority background. We hope that by enhancing our diversity we can extend our organisational creativity and problem solving through the different perspectives and life experiences which diversity brings.

Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role.

For further information there is a full recruitment pack and role profile available to download or visit our website for more information.

The Organisation

The 5% Club is a national dynamic movement of employers committed to “Earn and Learn” as part of building and developing the workforce they need for a socially mobile, prosperous and cohesive nation. We exist to help our Members and all employers increase further the number, quality and range of Earn and Learn opportunities across the UK. By joining The 5% Club, our Members aspire to achieve 5% of their workforce in Earn and Learn positions (including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes) within five years of joining.

The 5% Club now represents over 1250 organisations with 2m employees, of which almost 121,000 are in on-the-job training – an average, of more than 6?ross the movement. Our mission is rooted in employers taking a proactive role in addressing the UK’s critical skills challenges. It’s about developing people with the right skills to forge meaningful career paths and its members represent some of the gold standards of training and skills development.

We want roles such as apprenticeships, sponsored student placements, graduate programmes and upskilling to be accessible to all. By “all,” we mean the spectrum of Britain’s social diversity – racial, cultural, gender, age, background and more. The end goal is to drive up shared prosperity in the country by enlisting all manner of organisation sizes (from SMEs, for whom “5%” means one person – to FTSE100 household names employing tens of thousands) as Members, who then sign the Charter committing to building a workforce with at least 5% of their employees in Earn and Learn roles.

The 5% Club has strong connections to the Government, industry bodies and education partners and this plays a huge part in advocacy and change.

To find out more about what we do, visit our website.

The Role

The Chair of the Board provides strategic leadership to the charity, ensuring it is well governed, financially sustainable, and delivering meaningful impact for its beneficiaries. The role requires an experienced and collaborative leader who can support the Chief Executive, guide the Board, and uphold the highest standards of charity governance.

Key responsibilities

Governance Leadership

• Lead the Board in ensuring the charity fulfils its mission, complies with its governing document, and meets all legal and regulatory requirements (including Charity Commission expectations).
• Ensure the Board operates effectively, with the right balance of skills, diversity, and experience. Lead regular Board effectiveness reviews and support ongoing trustee development.
• Uphold the principles of good governance, encouraging constructive challenge, accountability, and high ethical standards.

Strategic Oversight

• Work with trustees and the Chief Executive to set the charity’s long-term vision, strategy, and priorities.
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place to monitor performance, impact, and risk. Oversee the quality of impact reporting, ensuring the charity communicates its outcomes effectively.
• Champion organisational learning, innovation, and responsiveness to change in the external environment.

Supporting and Challenging the Chief Executive

• Provide support, guidance, and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive.
• Maintain a strong, transparent, and trusting working relationship with the Chief Executive.
• Undertake formal annual appraisal of the Chief Executive and ensure the Board supports their performance and development.
• Act as the Chief Executive’s point of escalation for urgent or exceptional decisions requiring Chair involvement.

Board Leadership & Culture

• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring inclusive and balanced discussions and clear decisions.
• Ensure committees function effectively and are properly delegated while maintaining appropriate oversight.
• Build a collaborative board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and maintaining a focus on beneficiaries. Lead succession planning across the Board – and supporting Committees – and ensure recruitment reflects diversity and skill needs.
• Lead trustee recruitment, induction, and succession planning (except for the recruitment of a new Chair).

External Representation

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, representing it with key stakeholders, funders, partners, regulators, and the media (as appropriate).
• Support the Chief Executive and senior team in relationship-building with donors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
• Promote the charity’s reputation and influence within relevant sectors. Represent the Charity in policy, advocacy and employer-facing forums where appropriate.

Risk, Finance & Compliance

• Ensure robust financial oversight, including budgeting, audit, reserves, and investment policies.
• Oversee risk management and ensure the Board receives timely information to make informed decisions.
• Ensure the charity maintains high standards in safeguarding, health & safety, data protection, and other statutory areas. Provide assurance over internal control systems and review the annual report and accounts prior to approval.

The Person

We are seeking an individual with substantial senior leadership experience, ideally a current or former business leader within an employer organisation, and prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, non-profit organisation, or charity. Experience in environments involving policy engagement or multistakeholder representation would be advantageous.

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience in a business, employer organisation, or large operational environment.
• Prior experience as Chair of a commercial company, charity, or non-profit.
• Experience of organisational governance, strategic planning, and risk oversight.
• Experience supporting or overseeing a Chief Executive or senior leadership team.
• Demonstrable experience building high-performing boards or teams.
• Experience engaging with Government, regulators, or policy-influencing environments.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in the charity sector, voluntary or community work, or public service.
• Experience with fundraising, commissioning, or managing external partnerships.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., Charity Commission guidance, safeguarding,data protection).
• Experience within a membership organisation or skills/employability-focused sector.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate insight into practical direction.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to chair meetings effectively and foster inclusive discussion.
• Integrity, independence of mind, and sound judgement.
• Ability to analyse complex information and make evidence-based decisions.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Confidence in ambassadorial and stakeholder-facing roles, including ability to represent the organisation publicly, including handling media or public scrutiny if required.

Personal Attributes

• Genuine alignment with the charity’s mission and values.
• Collaborative, supportive, and low-ego leadership style.
• Ability to challenge constructively and hold others to account.
• Resilient, calm under pressure, and capable of navigating ambiguity.
• High ethical standards and commitment to trusteeship responsibilities.
• Comfortable operating in high-visibility environments and representing the charity in national settings.

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.

Chair of Trustees - Voluntary Role

Aid Box Community (ABC)

We are looking to appoint someone with leadership qualities and high motivation, initially 
to join us as a trustee in June and then to take on the position of Chair in November. In 
close co-operation with our dedicated team of trustees and inspirational director, you will 
be guiding our charity through the next phase of our journey. This is a very exciting 
opportunity to play an important role in the development of Aid Box’s strategy over the 
next 5 years and to oversee the deepening of our charity’s impact on our community, 
made possible by our recent move into our new home. 

About Aid Box Community

We are a charity based in Bristol and for nearly nine years have been providing vital support, supplies and sanctuary to men women and children seeking asylum in this city. You are welcome to come and have a look at the work we do by visiting, by prior arrangement, our Welcome Hub and Free Shop. 

What are our trustees responsible for?

We are all jointly responsible for:

• The overall management of our charity.
• Setting and monitoring Aid Box’s strategic direction and ensuring it is financially sound.
• Ensuring the charity carries out the purposes set out in our constitution for the benefit of our community and in line with the Charity Commission’s guidance.

Main duties and responsibilities as a Chair:

• leading our charity’s strategic direction in close collaboration with the board and our director.
• Chairing quarterly trustee meetings as well as our HR sub committee meetings.
• Representing trustees in contacts with other charities and organisations.

This role is for you if:

• You have leadership experience (formal or informal), either within or outside the charity sector.
• You have specialist skills that may benefit Aid Box Community. Motivated by ABC’s vision, mission and values, in particular upholding the basic human rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
• Teamwork and communication skills with ability to listen and build a consensus.
• Living in or near Bristol . You would like to join a fantastic community of staff, volunteers and service user

This role is for you if:Our Commitment to You:

We will provide practical support, principally through our deputy chair, along with a full induction programme including the legal framework and other key areas such as safeguarding. During your time with Aid Box, you will be able to join training workshops relevant to your role as a trustee, along with the opportunity to be involved in a range of charity activities.

See our website for more information about our charity (where you can also find our Impact Report 24/25): Our Financial Statements for year ended 31 March 2025 filed with the Charity Commission: 

Want to know more?

If you would also like to have an initial informal chat, please email our Chair, Richard Annandale or Susan Qazi the Charity Administrator.

Safeguarding Statement

ABC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its service users and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment.

ABC operates Safeguarding Policies for the purpose of protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults. All staff and trustee members are required to undergo Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS checks.

Statement on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ABC aims to be an anti-discriminatory organisation committed to the promotion of quality and diversity and, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups and those with lived experience.

Working Chance is a unique, pioneering, award-winning national charity that supports women with criminal convictions into employment. We support women to create independent purposeful lives through helping them to build careers, we break cycles of reoffending and we inspire employers to embrace inclusive hiring.

This is an exciting time for Working Chance as we start developing our new three-year strategy which will come into effect from 1 September. The new strategy will see us taking an ever bolder stance on speaking up for women with convictions, solidifying our position as a thought leader on how to improve the employment rate of these women, and moving into providing consultancy for employers seeking our guidance and input on their recruitment and employment practices.

We are looking for an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board at this exciting point in our development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected and impactful charity, while championing a mission that addresses inequality, social justice and economic inclusion.

As Chair, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow trustees to ensure strong governance, clear strategic focus, effective oversight and financial sustainability, while acting as an ambassador for Working Chance and its values. Download the Appointment Brief to learn all about the role, the charity and the recruitment process, and if you think you might be the person we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 9am on Monday 16 March

About us

We are the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR),  the largest global network of civil society organisations working to strengthen the resilience of people most at risk from disasters and climate change. With two trustees nearing the end of their terms, we are now recruiting two new trustees to join our Board at an exciting moment as we prepare to launch our 2026–2030 global strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and support effective governance
• Ensure compliance with charity law and good governance practice
• Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational performance
• Support and challenge the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team
• Champion equity, inclusion, localisation, and community‑led action
• Act as an ambassador for GNDR’s mission and values

What we’re looking for

We are looking for individuals who can bring strategic insight, sound judgement, and a commitment to equity and localisation. While all trustees share collective responsibility for GNDR’s governance, we are specifically seeking two candidates with the following professional expertise to strengthen the Board’s capacity in these areas:

• Professional expertise in Finance (e.g., financial management, audit, budgeting, risk)
• Professional expertise in Human Resources (e.g., people & culture, organisational development, HR policy)

All trustees are expected to uphold the following core criteria:

• Commitment to GNDR’s mission, values, and global network
• Strategic thinking, independent judgement, and collaborative working
• Strong communication skills and willingness to contribute actively
• Understanding of (or willingness to learn about) the responsibilities of charity trusteeship

Please refer to the full trustee recruitment pack available at the link below and on the jobs pages of our website.

What you’ll gain as a trustee

• A full induction and ongoing training
• Opportunities to shape strategy and influence a dynamic global network
• Experience in governance and leadership
• The chance to contribute to innovative, community‑led resilience work
• Connections with professionals and civil society leaders worldwide
• Personal fulfilment from contributing to a mission that matters

Representation and eligibility

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals who bring:

• Lived experience of disaster risk, climate impacts, marginalisation, or community‑led resilience
• Experience supporting or being part of communities most at risk
• Perspectives from regions or groups under‑represented in global governance spaces

Trustees must be eligible under UK charity law to serve as charity trustees and company directors.

Terms of office

• Voluntary, unpaid role with all reasonable expenses reimbursed
• Three‑year term, renewable by Board agreement
• Approx. six days per year, plus preparation time, including quarterly board meetings, global board meetings, training, and occasional events
• Trustee indemnity insurance provided

How to apply

Please submit an up to date copy of your CV (max. two A4 pages) and a cover letter (max. one A4 page) outlining skills and experience relevant to the role by email to our HR team. Please include in the subject of the email, the following: “Application for the trustee role”.

Please note: we are unable to accept incomplete applications. 

The recruitment process will include an initial assessment and shortlisting stage, followed by an interview comprising a series of panel questions with our Executive Director and other members of the Board of Trustees.

If you have any questions or need to discuss any adjustments to any aspects of the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team. Contact information of our HR team are available on our website.

Closing date

18 March at 12pm (GMT)

Due to the high volume of applications we expect to receive for this role, we may not be able to provide individual feedback. However, we will endeavour to contact all applicants to update them on the outcome of their application.

Interview

To be confirmed

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

At GNDR, we are committed to fostering a truly diverse and inclusive culture based on our core values of openness, trust, accountability and mutual respect. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities without discriminating against any characteristics. This includes ethnicity, race, gender, religion or belief, language, abilities, nationality or citizenship, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, marital or partnership status or any other status. 

We’re committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible for individuals of all needs and abilities. If you require any adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, you are highly encouraged to contact our HR team.

We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of our work. We are also seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

We are looking for dedicated, creative people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience to join the Age UK Stockport Board of Trustees.

Being a trustee or Chair of any charity, including ours, is to be an active volunteer in your community. Like any volunteer involved in our work, our aim is for you to enjoy what you do with us, know how you contribute towards our work and see the positive impact that you have on people’s lives. 

But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but rewarding, and a big responsibility. Trustees have collective legal responsibilities – you work together for the best interests of Age UK Stockport and for the people in later life we work with across the borough. We will tell you more about these responsibilities elsewhere in the pack. 

If you’re passionate about supporting everyone to make the most of their later life, and you have the skills and experience to help shape and guide our organisation to achieve our vision, we’d like to hear from you.

Trustee and Chair of Trustees

Help shape the future of environmental philanthropy and strengthen funding for climate, nature and people.

Location: Remote, UK wide
Remuneration: Voluntary, unremunerated. Reasonable expenses covered
Term: Three years, renewable once
Time commitment: Approx. 8 days per year for Trustees, approx. 12 days per year for Chair
Closing date: Monday 30 March, 17:59
Interviews: From Wednesday 22 April

About the opportunity

An established and respected network within the environmental funding community is seeking a new Chair of Trustees and two additional Trustees to join its board.

This organisation works to create an effective, flourishing ecosystem of environmental philanthropy that is supporting people and the planet to thrive together. With a growing membership of funders, advisors and fundraisers, it plays a vital role in convening, connecting and strengthening the sector.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight and guidance across finance, programmes, communications and relationships. As Chair, you will lead the board, act as a line manager to the Executive Director and ensure strong governance and effective decision making.

You will bring sound judgement, a willingness to offer constructive challenge and a commitment to high standards of governance. Above all, you will share a belief in the importance of environmental action and effective philanthropy.

About the Trustee role

Trustees are responsible for ensuring:

· Clear strategic direction and delivery of charitable objectives

· Effective stewardship of resources

· Robust governance and regulatory compliance

· Thoughtful risk management

· Insight into the wider global context affecting environmental funding

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Environmental funding, including international funding

· Financial and operational management

· Strategic communications and influencing

· Network coordination and development

· Philanthropy advisory or working with family offices

· Fundraising and membership models

About the Chair role

In addition to the above, the Chair will:

· Lead quarterly board meetings

· Support and line manage the Executive Director

· Ensure the board has the right balance of skills and perspectives

· Act as an ambassador and external figurehead

We are looking for prior leadership or chairing experience, strong strategic capability, an understanding of charity governance and experience engaging with funders.

Commitment

Board meetings are held online quarterly, with additional sub-committee meetings and preparation time. There is one in person team and trustee away day each year. The Chair role includes monthly meetings with the Executive Director and additional preparation responsibilities.

These are voluntary roles. Expenses are provided.

Inclusion

Diversity of background, perspective and experience strengthens governance and impact. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals from marginalised communities and those most affected by climate change and nature loss.

If you would like to play a meaningful role in strengthening environmental philanthropy at a critical time, we would welcome your application.

You may also have experience in areas such as; Non Executive Director, Board Member, Committee Member, Advisory Board Member, Charity Trustee, Foundation Trustee, Trust Director, Philanthropy Advisor, Grant Maker, Environmental Programme Lead, Director of Fundraising, Head of Partnerships, Chief Executive, or Senior Strategic Leader.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client - Not For Profit People.