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.
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One trustee with experience of research (of any type) – an attitude of curiosity, intellectual rigour and open-mindedness.
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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.
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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).
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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
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Our board of trustees, and our charity as a whole, is warm and welcoming.
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Everyone is entitled to have their views heard and we work hard to be inclusive of everyone.
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We are well organised and professionally run.
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We are a dynamic and fast-paced organisation, with a huge range of interesting work happening.
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You will have opportunities for personal development and to attend a range of interesting events in your role as a trustee.
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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:
- To act in the interests of the charity’s objects – that is, its cause and its beneficiaries.
- To act reasonably and prudently in all matters.
- To avoid personal views and prejudices affecting your decision-making.
- To protect – and actively promote – the property, interests and reputation of the charity.
- To set the strategic direction, provide strategic oversight, and make critical decisions.
- 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.
- To understand how the charity works, including being fully aware of the charity’s general risks and its financial position.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- To undertake training as required and to participate in an annual development appraisal.
- To join at least one of the charity’s four sub-committees.
- To represent Alcohol Change UK at events and to act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK amongst its key audiences.
- To understand and respect the boundary between governance and the operational matters that are delegated to the staff team.
- To respond to Alcohol Change UK correspondence in a timely manner.
Person Specification
All trustees need the following:
- Strong commitment to the vision, values and mission of Alcohol Change UK.
- 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.
- An ability to work as part of a team, especially understanding and respecting the nature of collective decision-making.
- Excellent communications skills, especially active listening, succinctness, clarity, positivity and tact.
- Commitment to the 7 Nolan Principles on Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- 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.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We are Alcohol Change UK. We work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?
Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to help, we’d love to hear from you!
About us
We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development.
West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and Cyprus. Each squadron is supported by a committee of trustees who oversee governance, fundraising, and community engagement, helping ensure incredible opportunities for young people.
What’s involved
Being a trustee is a simple but highly impactful way to support your local squadron:
- Attend quarterly meetings (around two hours each)
- Discuss finances, fundraising, priorities, and squadron activities
- Take part in decisions, especially financial and strategic matters
- Support events, networking, or community initiatives
Typical commitment: 8-12 hours per year.
Who we’re looking for
Trustees come from all walks of life. No military, youth work, or charity experience is required. Trustees actively participate in meetings and decisions – there’s no obligation to take on an elected role.
Eligibility:
- Must be 20 years or older.
- Must have lived in the UK for 3 or more years.
Useful skills (optional but welcomed):
- Finance, budgeting, or business management
- Fundraising or grant writing
- Event planning or project management
- Governance, committee, or leadership experience
- Local networks or community connections
We particularly welcome:
- Applicants from under-represented communities.
- Younger adults. Only 1% of trustees in the UK are under 30 (Charity Commission and Pro Bono Economics 2025), and we particularly encourage applications from people wanting to grow their skills while making a real impact.
- People who are motivated to learn and contribute, not just bring experience.
What you’ll gain
- Experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising.
- Expanded professional and personal networks.
- Access to training and support.
- A chance to make a real difference in your community.
There are also opportunities to grow if you want to take on more responsibility:
- Take on leadership roles within your committee
- Support other squadrons
- Get involved in regional or even nationally
- Transition into civilian or uniformed volunteer roles working directly with cadets
Support you’ll receive
You will be fully supported, with guidance and resources at every level, so you can contribute confidently:
- Locally, you’ll work with your squadron Chair, Treasurer and Commander.
- At Wing level, the Wing Chair, Treasurer and Secretary provide guidance, templates and advice.
- Nationally, RAF Air Cadets trustees are part of a broader governance community with access to resources and information.
How to join
- Submit an expression of interest via this CharityJob listing.
- Attend an informal virtual meeting with the Wing Chair and Wing Treasurer.
- Visit a local squadron and meet the team.
- Apply to become a trustee if invited.
- Complete required DBS and background checks.
Read to make a difference? Apply now
Please take a note of your preferred squadron in this area then apply via this listing:
- 223 (Halesowen) Squadron, 27 King Street, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3SU
- 347 (Dudley) Squadron, Army Reserve Centre, 5 Vicar Street, King Street, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 8RH
- 451 (Stourbridge) Squadron, Army Reserve Centre, Old Swinford Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 2LQ
- 2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron, Rear of Kingswinford Health Centre car park, off Standhills Road, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 8DN
Registered Charity
11 - 20
The RAF Air Cadets offer young people exciting opportunities for personal and professional development.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Make A Smile
Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help keep the charity “current, fresh and forward‑thinking” so we can continue to provide the best possible experience for volunteers and the children we visit.
About The Role
The Innovations Officer leads the development of a new project from concept to rollout, ensuring Make A Smile continues to evolve and deliver high‑quality, engaging experiences. You will design, test, refine, and launch an innovations project that strengthens the charity’s impact across all chapters.
Key Responsibilities
You will take ownership of an innovations project and guide it through every stage of development. Responsibilities include:
● Creating a full project outline, including aims, failure criteria, projected costs, timeline, and required skills.
● Recruiting and managing an Innovations Subcommittee with the skills needed to deliver the project.
● Delegating tasks, providing support, and ensuring subcommittee members fulfil their roles.
● Setting up all required admin, including risk assessments, reflection templates, and task‑tracking systems.
● Leading the creation of a prototype or pilot version of the project.
● Running tests with well‑established chapters and gathering feedback from volunteers, committees, and event leads.
● Overseeing multiple rounds of refinement until the project is ready for rollout.
● Supporting the staged rollout of the project across chapters.
● Providing regular updates to Trustees, including progress, budget status, and test outcomes.
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
This role suits someone creative, organised, and excited by bringing new ideas to life. You’ll thrive if you bring:
● Strong project‑management skills.
● Creativity and a passion for innovation.
● Confidence in leading and motivating a team.
● A solution‑focused mindset.
● The ability to plan, test, evaluate, and refine ideas.
● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Act in the best interests of Make a Smile… Enjoy it!”).
You do not need prior innovation or project‑design experience - just enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn.
Time Commitment
Innovations Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including subcommittee meetings, project development, and monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.
Training and Support
You will receive:
● Full Trustee Training (online).
● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).
● Guidance from the Chair and fellow Trustees.
● Access to templates, handbooks, and previous innovations materials.
● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity-funded training.
What You’ll Gain
● Experience leading a full project lifecycle from concept to rollout.
● Skills in innovation, design, testing, and evaluation.
● Leadership and team‑management experience.
● The chance to shape the future of Make A Smile’s activities and volunteer experience.
● The satisfaction of seeing your project used across chapters to bring joy to children.
Safeguarding and Eligibility
Innovations Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please send across your CV and a short message outlining your experience, interests, and why you’d like to lead an innovations project.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers
