Governance volunteer roles
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!
Overview of the role
This role involves leading on any and all Health & Safety issues, policies and concerns, ensuring that the Board of Trustees are aware and kept up to date in regard to the legal, regulatory, and governance responsibilities of the charity regarding health and safety.
Key tasks
Trustee (Health & Safety Lead) Responsibilities:
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to ensure that the trustee board understand their legal and regulatory responsibility on matters of health & safety (including manual handling & fire safety, etc.) for the charity
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to ensure, along with operational management support, that all health and safety policies and risk assessments are in place, relevant, and up to date
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to continuously keep up to date with all current health and safety legislation/regulations, informing the board of any changes needed to operational procedures relating to health and safety
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to be the allocated contact for health & safety as outlined on Health and Safety Executive (HSE) poster in each centre
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along with operational management support, to ensure that all relevant staff, trustees and/or volunteers are suitably trained and aware of the correct process to follow if any health and safety concerns arise, including the filling out of incident reports.
Other responsibilities, along with the Bboard of Trustees, include:
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to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
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to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.
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to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
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to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
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to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
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to review and approve financial statements
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to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
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to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection.
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to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
About you:
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a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Warrington Foodbank
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a strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and a charity’s responsibility
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an ability to lead on any health & safety matters in a supportive and confident manner
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add any further essential qualities the food bank is looking for, to fit in with any strategic objectives the food bank may have.
Benefits of volunteering:
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feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us
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meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community
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building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank
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bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision
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gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships.
Impact of your role
By leading on Health & Safety matters for the food bank, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, Warrington Foodbank.
Support
A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training.
Please Note:
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You must be 16 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.
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Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office.
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This is a voluntary position.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Make a Difference Where It Matters Most. Join Us as a Board Member.
Target Housing is a bold, purpose-driven charity providing safety, stability and hope for people facing some of life’s toughest challenges, from entrenched rough sleeping to domestic abuse, trauma, mental health and complex needs.
We’ve grown rapidly over the last five years. Today, we own 160+ homes and manage another 800+ across the region, delivering trauma-informed, people-centred support that changes lives for good.
Now we’re looking for new Board Members who want to use their skills for something that genuinely matters.
What You’ll Do
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Help steer a growing, values-led organisation making a real difference every single day.
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Bring your insight to strengthen our governance, people decisions and risk management.
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Support strategic thinking across housing, care and charitable services.
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Join Board meetings helld every two months in Rotherham (remote attendance also available), plus occasional sub-groups.
This is a voluntary role with expenses covered, but the impact you’ll have is priceless.
Who You Are
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Someone who cares about people, fairness and long-term change.
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Confident contributing to big-picture conversations, not just your specialism.
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Values driven, collaborative, and unafraid to ask the right questions.
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We are especially keen to hear from people who have legal or HR experience, ready to fill a crucial skills gap on our Board.
Why This Matters
Because behind every decision we make is someone trying to rebuild their life.
You’ll help ensure they get the safety, support and second chance they deserve.
If you're ready to use your expertise for real social impact, we’d love to hear from you. For an informal chat, please contact Steve Crane our CEO.
We deliver high standards of housing & support, enabling vulnerable people to live independently, fulfil their potential and contribute to society
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Volunteer Role: Deputy Chief Ranger (Senior Officer)
Location: National (England) / Hybrid
Rank Insignia: One Crown and Two Pips
Reporting to: Chief Ranger
About the Role:
Ranger Cadets is seeking a visionary and disciplined leader to step into the role of Deputy Chief Ranger. As a Senior Officer, you will serve as the "second-in-command" for the entire organisation across England. This is a high-impact, uniformed role designed for an individual with significant management experience and a passion for youth development.
You will work directly alongside the Chief Ranger to steer the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring every unit is supported and every cadet is "Prepared for Life."
Your Strategic Responsibilities:
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Organisational Leadership: Assist the Chief Ranger in the overall management, governance, and operational running of Ranger Cadets nationwide.
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National Oversight: Provide high-level support and guidance to regional and unit leadership teams to ensure consistency in the cadet syllabus and safety standards.
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Strategic Growth: Help lead the expansion of Ranger Cadets, ensuring that new units are sustainable and aligned with our core values.
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Representational Duties: Act as a key ambassador for the organisation at national events, ceremonies, and meetings with external stakeholders and partners.
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Mentorship: Provide senior-level mentorship to adult volunteers, fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and inclusion.
What We Are Looking For:
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Proven Leadership: Experience in senior management, ideally within a uniformed organisation, the military, emergency services, or the charitable sector.
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Strategic Thinker: The ability to look beyond the day-to-day operations and help plan the long-term future of the organisation.
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Commitment to Values: A deep alignment with the Ranger Cadets' mission to empower young people and boost their confidence.
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Presence & Authority: Comfortable wearing the rank insignia of a Senior Officer and leading with integrity, empathy, and professional standards.
Why Take on This Command?
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Executive Impact: Play a defining role in the history and growth of a national youth organisation.
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Professional Prestige: Hold a senior rank (One Crown, Two Pips) that reflects your responsibility and expertise.
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Legacy Building: Help shape the framework that will support thousands of young people on their journey to adulthood.
How to Apply:
This is an appointment for those ready to lead at the highest level. If you have the experience and the drive to assist in commanding the Ranger Cadets, we invite you to apply.
RANGER CADETS
#PreparedForLife
To empower young people through structured, uniformed experiences that build life skills, leadership, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ROLDA UK is seeking experienced and dedicated professionals to join the existing Board of Trustees. This is an opportunity to use your expertise to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare whilst shaping the future of ROLDA UK.
ROLDA (Romanian League in Defence of Animals) is an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and other animals in Romania and internationally. Since its establishment in 2006, ROLDA has become a beacon of hope for the millions of vulnerable stray animals in Romania – one of Europe's economically poorest nations. We also assist over 40 support groups helping abandoned animals in Ukraine. Our mission is to manage the homeless animal population through six key focuses: rescue, rehabilitation, sheltering, sterilisation, rehoming and education.
About the Role
The skills we are looking for include:
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Fundraising knowledge to help ROLDA grow its impact in the UK, especially digital marketing and campaign development.
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Governance of a Charity
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Experience of working in animal welfare.
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Risk Management & GDPR
ROLDA UK is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience.
Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by advocating for them and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect.



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!
GHRI is seeking a volunteer lawyer with knowledge of United States law to support our healthcare, humanitarian, and digital health initiatives. This role is ideal for a legal professional who understands U.S. legal frameworks and wants to apply that knowledge to a mission-driven global organization.
Important part: Knowledge of U.S. law is essential for this role.
Key Responsibilities
Provide legal guidance based on U.S. laws and regulations
Review and draft contracts, MOUs, and partnership agreements
Advise on non-profit compliance and governance under U.S. law
Support legal matters related to healthcare, data protection, and digital services
Assist with legal documentation for grants, donors, and international collaborations
✅ Requirements
Law degree with working knowledge of U.S. law
Understanding of U.S. non-profit, corporate, or healthcare law
Strong legal research and documentation skills
Ability to interpret and apply U.S. legal standards in an international context
High ethical standards and attention to detail
Why Volunteer With GHRI?
Gain hands-on experience in U.S.-based NGO and healthcare legal operations
Strengthen your legal portfolio with international exposure
Collaborate with a global, impact-focused team
Contribute to improving healthcare access for underserved communities
Our mission is to deliver affordable, quality healthcare to underserved communities via telemedicine, hospital links & humanitarian aid.
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!
Our mission is to reduce social isolation through positive enablement.
The Mid Devon Messenger serves a close-knit community of people who, due to visual impairment or chronic illness, find it difficult to read. For 43 years we have circulated free weekly audio news, information and entertainment to our listeners, providing a life-line to their community. Always developing our services, listeners can now thrive in a number of activity groups, including bowling, walking and book clubs. Supported by 50+ volunteers, in 2025 the charity was Highly Commended in the BBC's Make a Difference community award.
As Volunteer Chair of Trustees you will bring vision to further develop and expand our services to listeners, while sustaining the charity's infrastructure, and leading our brilliant team of volunteers.
Based in Tiverton, Devon hours are flexible, at a minimum of around 8 hours/month, with reasonable expenses payable.
Key responsibilities include:
Leadership of the Committee of the Association, ensuring effective governance. Line-manage and support the Trustees - Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Operational oversight. Engaging Ambassador for the charity, nurturing relationshiops with partners, funders, and the local community.
If you're strategic, empathetic and ready to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Do you have accountancy or finance skills and experience that you could use to support a charity? Would you like to help make sure people have the right information and support to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing and care?
Patient Information Forum is looking for a new Trustee with finance skills to join our Board. You could play an important role in shaping our future and strengthening our work.
WHO IS PATIENT INFORMATION FORUM?
The Patient Information Forum (PIF) is the membership body for people working in health information and support. We are the independent voice of UK health information. PIF runs the only quality mark for print and digital health information – the PIF TICK.
WHAT MATTERS TO US
Access for everyone to personalised health information and support so that people feel enabled to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
We believe high-quality information is key to reducing inequalities in health literacy, and we are strongly committed to inclusion. We also tackle misinformation, helping people to recognise trusted, credible sources and tell them apart from misleading or false information.
IF YOU JOIN US…
You'll play an important role in overseeing PIF’s financial health and ensuring that the Board and senior team can make informed, responsible decisions.
The Treasurer’s role is to provide financial leadership and oversight for the charity. This includes reviewing, approving, and presenting budgets, accounts, and financial statements, as well as preparing and delivering clear financial reports to the Board.
You’ll have the opportunity to work with a team of fellow Trustees who bring a wide range of professional experience.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for individuals with an accountancy qualification or equivalent finance knowledge gained by experience. You’ll have high levels of integrity and an eye for detail.
Previous trustee experience isn’t required, and you will be supported into the role through an onboarding and induction process.
We are particularly seeking someone to:
○ guide and advise the Board on the approval of budgets and annual accounts within current legislation
○ keep the Board informed of its statutory financial duties and responsibilities
○ commit to PIF’s, vision and goals. Honesty, integrity, and a commitment to transparency.
Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.
Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Patient Information Forum!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Eastside People is supporting Patient Information Forum in the recruitment of this role. You can apply today by submitting your CV and Cover Letter.
The closing date for applications is Fri 20 February.
Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with PIF during the week beginning 9 March.
PIF is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the population and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.
We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from 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!
Migrateful is looking for new Trustees to help guide our next chapter! Migrateful runs cookery classes in London and Bristol led by refugees and migrants to support them on their journey to integration & employment.
Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, strengthening governance and acting as critical friends to the executive team, ensuring Migrateful continues to deliver high quality, impactful work in line with its charitable purpose.
We are currently looking for a trustee with a strong local network in Bristol to support the organisation’s growth and profile in the city. This trustee will work closely with the CEO and the Business Development and Operations Manager in Bristol to help build strategic partnerships and opportunities. They will also contribute to the Business Development, Marketing and Sales Subcommittee, which meets twice a year.
Trustees play a pivotal role in ensuring Migrateful can continue to grow and deliver meaningful impact for migrant and refugee communities. They will help support the continued expansion of our cookery class programme, which provides vital training, employment and integration opportunities, and a platform for migrant-led cultural exchange.
For more information please see our trustee recruitment pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 community health and the vital link between food, nutrition and health inequalities? Edinburgh Community Food is seeking committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help drive lasting change.
As a trustee, you’ll support strategic direction, ensure good governance, and contribute to our mission of making nutrition accessible and reducing health inequalities.
Now is an exciting time to get involved. We’re one year into our five-year strategy, Equity in Nutrition, and preparing to celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2026. We have a very skilled and motivated Board, and an effective Leadership Team in place led by Brenda Black, CEO, who is driving change and transformation.
Edinburgh Community Food is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. Trustees (Directors) oversee financial and operational performance, support and challenge the Management Team, and help bring our vision to life.
As we grow our impact, we are seeking new trustees who bring expertise and passion to help us navigate the next stage of our journey.
We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
Financial Leadership
Strong financial acumen to guide strategic decisions, ensure robust governance, and help us plan for sustainable growth.
Procurement & Contracting
Knowledge of public and private sector contracting to support us in securing new partnerships and delivering value through ethical, efficient procurement.
Sustainable Practices
Insight into sustainable sourcing, production, and distribution, carbon literacy or climate change to help us champion practices that protect the planet while promoting healthier diets.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people who:
- Are effective communicators with strong interpersonal skills
- Can work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- Are willing to contribute time, expertise, and energy to board activities, sub-committees, and working groups
Edinburgh Community Food create accessible and inclusive communities, and this continues to our Director appointments. We invite anyone with lived experience in the areas of our work, people from marginalised and under-represented communities, or anyone who is passionate about food and health inequalities and making a difference in your community to get in touch.
The Commitment
We’re looking for people who will;
- Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in monthly online board meetings. A quarter of which are in-person.
- Contribute fully to one or more committees or sub-groups.
- Attend events run by Edinburgh Community Food e.g. our Annual General Meeting, Community Events, as well as supporting the broader activity of the organisation from time to time.
- Share their skills and experience for the benefit of the organisation either by delivering tasks, or knowledge sharing.
In return, we offer the chance to join an inclusive and collaborative board, with access to networking and training opportunities. You’ll play a key role in driving change—helping to make Healthier Food, Healthier Lives, and Healthier Futures the norm in Edinburgh and beyond.
Headhunting Global Talent and Leaders for Non-Profits, NGOs, BCorps, & Corporate organisations who make a positive impact on the planet.
Who They Are
The Young Vic Theatre occupies a distinctive place in the UK’s cultural landscape, combining bold commercial ambition and artistic originality with meaningful grassroots social impact. This commitment is most evident in the theatre’s renowned audience community—one of the most diverse, vibrant and engaged in London.
The Role
Purpose of the Role
The Trustees of the charity also serve as Directors of the company and therefore hold legal, financial and ethical responsibilities under company law and charity legislation.
Trustees are responsible for:
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Complying with the charity’s governing document and the law
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Ensuring the charity delivers its purpose for public benefit
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Acting in the charity’s best interests
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Managing the charity’s resources responsibly
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Acting with reasonable care and skill
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Ensuring accountability
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Ensuring compliance across the organisation
The current Board brings together leaders from theatre, business, finance and hospitality. Trustees work in partnership with the CEO and Executive Team, delegating day-to-day operations and artistic decisions to the organisation’s specialist leaders.
The Board draws on its collective expertise, networks and experience to provide strategic and operational guidance. Trustees share a deep commitment to the Young Vic’s mission, championing its work and supporting engagement across the community.
Trustees are asked to join a committee where possible and actively support the theatre by:
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Attending productions
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Participating in events that support fundraising, advocacy and community engagement
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Making introductions within their networks, especially for fundraising
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Staying informed about developments in the arts and charity sectors
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Preparing thoroughly for Board meetings, contributing actively and attending in person whenever possible
The Board operates in line with the Charity Governance Code, which sets out seven core principles: organisational purpose, leadership, integrity, decision-making risk and control, board effectiveness, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and openness and accountability.
Person Specification
The organisation is seeking approximately four new Trustees and is particularly interested in individuals with expertise in:
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Freelance work within the arts
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Law
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Theatre production or commercial producing
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Charity fundraising
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Accounting
However, the Board also welcomes applicants who may not meet these specific criteria but feel able to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s development and future direction.
Previous trustee experience is not required. A comprehensive induction, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided.
Terms of Appointment
Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term, with the option of a further four-year extension and, in some cases, an additional two years. The maximum tenure is ten years. The Board meets four times per year, with the Executive Board convening an additional four times and further committee meetings scheduled as needed.
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 a finance professional looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of young Londoners? By joining our Board, you will help shape financial strategy, strengthen organisational resilience, and ensure that CYP can continue to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for all its members.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Strategic Oversight: Monitor the financial health of the project and report to the Board.
- Budgeting: Oversea annual budgets and ensure we stay on track.
- Compliance: Oversee annual accounts and ensure we meet Charity Commission/Companies House requirements.
- Mentorship: (Optional but great) Occasionally advise our young leaders on basic financial literacy or project budgeting.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
We need someone who is organised, communicative, and shares our values.
- Financial Expertise: A background in accounting, bookkeeping, or financial management (qualified or part-qualified is a plus).
- London Local: Someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing young people in London today.
- Clarity: The ability to explain financial matters to non-finance trustees in plain English.
- Commitment: A desire to help a small, high-impact organisation scale sustainably.
WHY JOIN US?
- Make an Impact: Directly influence the success of a project that changes lives in your community.
- Governance Experience: Build your CV with high-level Board experience.
- Networking: Connect with a diverse group of passionate professionals and community leaders.
In the covering letter please outlinine your relevant skills, experience & suitability for the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Education for Health Trustee: Finance and Risk
Education for Health is a charity that aims to improve the lives of people with long term physical and mental health conditions by providing high quality education to health care professionals and others who support them.
We are seeking a new Finance Trustee to join our Board. A financial qualification is required and a background or interest in healthcare and/or education and an understanding of charity finances would be an advantage but not essential.
The Board meet four times a year and this Trustee would also be a member of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee (FARC) which meets four times per year. It is anticipated that this Trustee would take on the chairing of FARC after a period of induction. Meetings are a mixture of in person and on line. The role is voluntary but we pay travel expenses.
The post holder will play a key role in reviewing budgets, financial reports, and risk management, ensuring we remain sustainable and compliant. They will work closely with fellow trustees and the executive team to provide insight and support where needed.
Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Education for Health and for developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals, whist operating within financial, legal and regulatory guidelines.
Education for Health - Educating Healthcare Professionals
OUR AIM IS TO EMPOWER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO BEST SUPPORT PATIENTS WITH LONG TERM CONDITIONS
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 a safeguarding professional looking to make a tangible difference in the lives of young Londoners? By joining our board, you will help shape safeguarding strategy, strengthen our organisational culture and ensure that CYP continues to provide a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for all its members.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Safeguarding Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of safeguarding and child protection across the organisation and report to the Board.
- Policy & Compliance: Ensure safeguarding and child protection policies are up to date, effectively implemented, and meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Advice & Support: Act as a point of guidance for the Board and staff on safeguarding matters, including responding appropriately to concerns.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We need someone who is organised, communicative, and shares our values.
- Safeguarding Experience: Background in safeguarding, child protection, education, youth work, social care, or a related field.
- Local: Someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing young people in London today.
- Good Judgement: Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidence.
- Commitment: A strong commitment to keeping young people safe and helping a small, high-impact organisation grow responsibly.
WHY JOIN US?
- Make an Impact: Directly influence the success of a project that changes lives in your community.
- Governance Experience: Build your CV with high-level Board experience.
- Networking: Connect with a diverse group of passionate professionals and community leaders.
Please submit your CV and a covering statement (max. 500 words) outlining your relevant skills, experience & suitability for the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustee vacancy - Youth Development / Education Specialist
The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is appointing a specialist trustee to strengthen our Board’s insight into what helps teenagers flourish through exceptional arts and music opportunities.
We welcome applications from people with experience in secondary education, youth-focused arts organisations, youth services, or programmes within the music education sector (or closely related fields). Knowledge of secondary education policy and networks is particularly desirable.
About NYO
NYO is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We exist to empower teenage musicians, developing their confidence, skills and leadership through world-class orchestral experiences, and over the next decade we aim to build a significantly larger, more inclusive national community of young musicians.
The Role
This role is an exciting opportunity to influence how NYO listens to and works with young people. You will:
- Bring insight into the realities teenagers face today, including barriers to participation and progression, and what helps young people thrive in arts and education settings.
- Help develop NYO’s approach to youth voice, including meaningful input into decisions, agency, ambassadorship and leadership opportunities.
- Contribute to Board-level safeguarding oversight, particularly in large-scale youth projects and residential environments.
- Support strategic thinking about inclusion, participation and progression, recognising the importance of next-step opportunities when a teenager finds something they love.
We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and those based outside London. All appointments will be made on merit.
Deadline for applications: Monday 23 February 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Applications close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
Location: Home-based but with regular travel, including to periodic board meetings in London or other locations within the UK
This is an opportunity to chair a charity transforming lives by helping more people experience the positive impact of learning. You can help shape the future of this remarkable charity and lead the Board of Shannon Trust to broaden, deepen and mature what we deliver.
Who we are
Picture this: a person in prison who struggles with literacy and numeracy reads their first sentence, they write their first letter home to their children or completes their first numeracy task. They begin to imagine a future beyond the prison walls.
This is what happens when someone learns with Shannon Trust, and it happens thousands of times each year across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.
These are not just statistics; they represent people who have been locked out of opportunity, who struggle with daily tasks, such as helping their children with homework or filling out a job application. At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, and that literacy and numeracy skills help build the foundations upon which people can rebuild their lives.
Where we are now
Shannon Trust has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. We have gone from a team of twelve people to one hundred staff today, supported by a volunteer base that brings us close to 250 people working to change lives through learning. The core of what we do is one-to-one peer mentoring in prisons. In 2025 alone, more than 11,000 learners used our reading and numeracy programmes, with 2,000 new volunteer peer-mentors trained to support them. We work in around one hundred prisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering our Turning Pages reading programme and Count Me In numeracy programme. We are increasing our reach into the community, too. This growth is the result of sustained focus, strong relationships with funders who believe in our work, and the proven impact of our peer-led learning model.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Chair who is strongly motivated by our cause, with a genuine empathy for the people we serve and a commitment to the person-centred language and inclusive thinking which are woven into everything we do. You will bring an engaged and engaging leadership style, have resilience and a personal gravitas.
You will be someone who is comfortable with complexity as we shape our organisation for the next chapter of our development. You will understand the importance of process, culture, and effective operations as the means of delivering a successful strategy and sustaining an organisation.
You will be someone who can help us be better advocates whether that is supporting our Chief Executive to build relationships with policymakers, helping us think through how we position ourselves in the education and criminal justice landscape, or using your own networks to create opportunities for Shannon Trust to influence and inform. We need a Chair who sees advocacy as part of the role.
Most importantly, our new Chair must be a strong partner for our CEO, a mentor, challenger and support.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.





