Governance volunteer roles

Who They Are
Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group offers information, support, and a key point of contact for individuals living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, and long Covid, as well as for their families and carers across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.

The Group is committed to increasing public understanding of ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and long Covid. It works to raise awareness and promote accurate knowledge of these complex conditions, all of which currently have no known cure.

The Role
The organisation is seeking several Trustees to help strengthen its governance as it continues to provide high-quality online and in-person services and activities to more than 700 members.

With capacity for up to ten Board members, the Group welcomes applicants with a variety of skills, including but not limited to:

• Human Resources

• Fundraising and bid writing

• Finance

• Governance

• Strategic planning

• Impact and evaluation reporting

The Group is progressing through an exciting period of development and continuous improvement. It is looking for individuals who are open-minded, willing to engage in constructive challenge with fellow Trustees and the Manager, committed to understanding member needs, and motivated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and long Covid.

We are seeking to appoint a voluntary Trustee for our charity who will also take up the role as our secretary.

We are looking for someone who wants to make a difference; helping build & grow the charity with the benefit of good governance. 

Is this role for me?

As you would expect the secretary role will be responsible for supporting the Chair by making sure meetings are communicated, agendas are developed, & that minutes are produced with actions followed up. It would also involve maintaining a well-organised filing system of critical documents, policies & governance records, as well as ensuring compliance with reporting requirements such as Charity Commission filings. But this will not be a case of walking in & taking over the reins; we are going through a period of change & are looking for someone who will help us put in place the processes & controls needed for a well-run charity. 

We are looking for a secretary who will push us & keep us on track. Make no mistake, it will certainly be hard work initially as it will take some time as we work to get everything in place, so you would need to be ready to commit to this. Once things become established then it would be up to you just how much time you want to dedicate beyond keeping everything on track. 

Who is The League of Friends of St Mark’s Hospital Maidenhead?

The League of Friends have been supporting patients in St Mark’s Hospital for over 50 years, helping to provide equipment & an environment that enhances their comfort & care.

We maintain the gardens in the Henry Tudor ward & in Out-Patients, including providing outdoor furniture & planting, as well as providing a range of daily newspapers & making sure a nice cup of Nespresso coffee is available too. We have also helped the hospital over recent years by providing; a cardiac resuscitator, an ECG module, hydraulic treatment couches, specialised podiatry & audiology equipment, and software for a Dexta bone density scanner.

Why are you recruiting now?

While we are proud that we have been supporting St Mark’s for over 50 years, including during the COVID19 pandemic, we have recognised that we now need to need to “regroup”.

The charity has identified 2 immediate objectives; firstly, to develop our fundraising efforts as these have slipped since the pandemic, & secondly, to introduce standards of governance which ensure we fulfil statutory obligations & achieve best practice within a small charity environment. 

We have recently appointed a new Treasurer to strengthen financial controls, & a further trustee with responsibility for developing our marketing effort which will provide a firm footing for fund raising. Further trustees have recently been appointed which support our charitable giving within the hospital. But we recognise that we are lacking the skills, knowledge & disciplines that a good secretary can provide. 

What sort of person do I need to be?

• Hungry for change
• Tenacious
• Pragmatic
• Detailed & meticulous 
• Knowledgeable of charity regulations & best practice - or not frightened to find them out & go on to implement them
• A self-starter who is able to drive us towards the changes needed
• A strong communicator
• Tech savvy – able to use MS office & have the ability to work online as needed 

How much time would I need to dedicate?

You would need to have enough time to arrange, plan & follow up on Trustee meetings. At present these typically take place in alternate months but there may be a need to move these to monthly as the charity grows. One of these meetings will also include the AGM. Meetings are held in Maidenhead.

As secretary there will be other activities which will require action between meetings, for example, keeping the Charity Commission updated, maintaining policies & renewing insurance. While these activities are not onerous their timely upkeep is obviously important.

One of the key features of this appointment will be the need to drive change & establish good governance within the charity. Although we are looking for someone who can help move this forward at speed, we also recognise that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”!

What will I get out of it?

• Helping to make the lives of patients in hospital more bearable is hugely rewarding. 
• The role will be CV enhancing, demonstrating valuable skills & qualities to potential employers; particularly being able to illustrate your ability to influence & to drive change

Is there anything else you think I should know?

Apart from attending our meetings in Maidenhead all other work should be able to be done from home.

This is a volunteer role & necessary expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

Based in Newtown, Powys, Rekindle is a vibrant and committed charity, providing mental health support to young people aged between 16 and 25 years, in Mid Wales and the Shropshire Borders. As Chair, you’ll play a key role in shaping Rekindle’s future and building on the momentum of recent successes.

What will you be doing?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for ensuring that the charity trustee board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively, and the board carries out its duties. You will lead the board in governing itself well, setting the strategic direction of the charity, creating a positive culture within the charity and holding staff accountable. You will monitor the agreed actions from board meetings to ensure that decisions are implemented properly and in a timely manner and build a strong, positive and respectful relationship with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders. You will also act as an ambassador for the charity, representing its interests and values to stakeholders.

Time commitment

• 4 board meetings per year, plus minimum 16 hours per month (to be reviewed annually)
• There may be additional time commitment required however there is no fixed requirement as we appreciate that each Board member has different amounts of time they are able to offer
• Ideally the Chair will be local to the charity.

 What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with a natural leadership style that is inclusive and collaborative. Rekindle is about to embark on some restructuring of its managerial tier; this will be with the help of Pilot Light and their 360 programme, and we would like the new Chair to be a part of this ideally.

Rekindle is currently developing a Youth Advisory Board that will consult and advise with the Board of Trustees once established, and so experience of this, although not essential, would be welcome.

Skills and experience:

• Demonstrable experience in leadership roles.
• Previous experience serving on a Board of Trustees.
• Ability to think strategically and drive organizational growth and impact.
• Experience in supporting and developing organizational strategy.
• 5-15 years of experience in governance and financial oversight.
• Must be located in commutable distance to Newtown, Powys.
• Experience in chairing meetings and creating an inclusive environment.
• Passionate about mental health, wellbeing and young people.

We aim to reflect the diverse communities, young people, and families we serve, and welcome applicants with lived experience relevant to our work.

What difference will you make?

Joining Rekindle's board as Chair offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and dynamic charity. In recent years, Rekindle has expanded its operations, including employing seven staff members and moving to a larger premises, while maintaining its core services. The board is in a good, stable place. As Chair, you’ll play a key role in shaping Rekindle’s future and building on the momentum of recent successes.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Rekindle with their Chair recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. 

To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add value to the board. 

Do you believe everyone should have the chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the Peak District?

Then come and join this small, but mighty charity board as a Trustee, to help protect the Peak District for future generations. We're particularly keen to connect with people who can bring their commercial expertise and acumen to the Board.

Location: Hybrid between Peak District/Bakewell HQ* and online
*Possibly Manchester/Sheffield depending on most accessible locations
Time Commitment: Approx. 4 Board meetings + 1 strategy day per year
Term: 3 years initially, renewable thereafter
Renumeration: Voluntary, with reasonable expenses covered

The Peak District National Park Foundation is a growing charity with a big bold mission: to make the Peak District a thriving home for nature and people. A place which is welcoming to all and cared for by everyone.

Since launching in 2019, they've successfully raised over £2.2 million to make the Park greener, wilder and more accessible. Connecting thousands of young people to nature, restoring rare habitats and helping communities discover the power of the outdoors.

Nature loss, climate change and unequal access to the countryside are urgent challenges. At the same time, public funding for National Parks has fallen dramatically. That's where this vital work comes in - and where you could too.

About the role

As a Trustee, you'll help shape the Foundation's next chapter. You'll guide strategy, champion the mission and ensure they're delivering lasting impact for nature and people. You'll join a passionate, collaborative Board, supporting a nimble, high-performing team that's already making a big difference on the ground.

You don't need prior trustee experience - what matters most is your enthusiasm, curiosity and belief in the power of nature to connect and inspire. You'll receive a full induction and training.

Who we're looking for

Having just been through a successful round of Board recruitment, we're confident we now have robust representation from the charity and public sector, and are now looking for commercial and business skills to strengthen the Board's make-up.

A deep love or connection to the Peak District is desirable, but not essential - you may simply have a strong passion to see our natural spaces protected for generations to come.

Who should apply?

We're very happy to consider applications from those living outside the Park who can demonstrate their passion for protecting it (providing you're comfortable attending some Board meetings in-person, with expenses paid).

We also want to emphasise that candidates from all backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply - in particular, Black, Asian, and global majority candidates, disabled people, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, younger candidates (under 40) and first-time trustees.

We're looking for individuals who will culturally add to the organisation, rather than simply fit an existing mould.

Why apply

This is your opportunity to share your time and expertise to make a meaningful impact on one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. Serving as a Trustee is a powerful way to show your support and help shape its future.

How to apply

A short CV or profile is a great first step, but please also feel free to get in touch to receive a copy of the recruitment pack or an informal conversation. Our Regional Director, Amelia Lee, is leading on this opportunity.

Deadline: 9am on Friday 5^th February, but please do get in touch ASAP if interested as we'd love to start conversations as soon as possible.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Location: West Midlands (Dudley, Sandwell and Worcestershire).

Stour Vale Academy Trust is looking for a Trustee to support the strategic development of its thirteen member schools and one day nursery.

Who we are

Since its founding in 2017, Stour Vale Academy Trust has held children and young people at the very heart of all that we do.

We are a multi-academy trust of thirteen member schools and one day nursery located in Dudley, Sandwell and Worcestershire.

Our multi-academy trust developed from collaboration between schools, the significant positive impact of which convinced three schools, two secondary and one primary, that together we would have much greater capacity to improve continuously. Over time, Stour Vale has steadily grown. We began as a cross-phase multi-academy trust and as we have grown, both secondary and primary schools have joined us. As a successful family of schools, delivering high-quality education for the communities we serve, Stour Vale values its diversity. Each school brings its own distinct character, community, history and identity. We celebrate the uniqueness of member schools, recognising that there is a great deal to learn from education in different contexts. This is also the reason why we remain outward-looking, committed to learning from research and excellent practice across the education system.

We intend to continue to grow because we believe that, over time, growth will increase the collective capacity of our family of schools to improve continuously and to provide excellent education and care.

About the role

Trustees at Stour Vale Academy Trust play a critical strategic role in ensuring the Trust delivers high-quality, inclusive education. Working collectively as a Board, Trustees are responsible for setting the Trust’s vision and long-term strategy, holding executive leaders to account for educational performance and operational effectiveness, and ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and in line with statutory requirements.

The role involves contributing to board discussions, serving on one or more committees, and engaging with key areas such as education standards, finance, risk, people, estates, safeguarding and organisational development. Trustees are expected to provide appropriate challenge and support, bringing external perspective, professional expertise and sound judgement to complex decisions.

Trustees act in the best interests of the Trust as a whole rather than any individual school, and are ambassadors for its values and ethos. While previous governance experience is welcome, it is not essential; Stour Vale values trustees who are committed, curious and willing to learn. This is a voluntary role, typically requiring attendance at board and committee meetings, along with preparation time, and offers a meaningful opportunity to influence educational outcomes and contribute to strong, effective governance.

Who we are looking for

Our Board comprises members from varied backgrounds, including education and the public sector, as well as our CEO, Rachel Salter. We are recruiting a new Trustee to the Board who will provide strategic support and help address some of our skill gaps.

We are looking for an individual who is prepared to give up their time to support and advocate, and to use their knowledge and skills to help the executive team and staff maintain Stour Vale’s values and sustain the organisation for future generations.

Most importantly, we want our new Trustee to believe in and align with Stour Vale’s values, and to understand that the role is strategic.

We are open to sector backgrounds, provided you can demonstrate a good understanding of strategic development. However, we are particularly interested to hear from those with skills and experience in:

· Legal

· Finance

· People management and HR

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 2nd February 2026

We are seeking a new Treasurer with experience as a qualified accountant, to drive the financial sustainability our charity supporting unpaid carers.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is made up of 11 trustees from a range of backgrounds including, health, social care, education and the private sector. 

Demand for our services is higher than it has ever been. Cases are increasingly complex and resources stretched. Changes to the funding landscape, including the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and North East Combined Authority (NECA) present both challenges and opportunities for the organisation.  As the ICB looks to make savings, new regional opportunities are arising with NECA, which require collaboration across a number of carer organisations. 

We are one year into our 5 year strategic cycle, which sets out clear priorities and goals. To help us grow and thrive, and, deliver our Corporate Strategy, we need a Treasurer who can:

• Oversee our finances and keep us sustainable
   
• Ensure we meet charity requirements 
   
• Support the management team with budgets, reporting, and good financial practice.

The Treasurer will play a vital role in guiding our Trustees in overseeing our finances and helping us succeed. We’re looking for someone who is a qualified accountant and is willing to give a few hours a month to support the work we do.

This is a great opportunity to put your skills to use in a meaningful way, and work with a committed and motivated board of trustees and senior leadership team, to help meet the needs of unpaid carers and work towards a more sustainable future.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who is a qualified accountant who can oversee the organisation's finances and provide sound financial advise to aid the board of trustee in their decision making. 

Ideally we are looking for a Treasurer who has lived experience as a unpaid carer, but this is not essential.

What difference will you make?

As Treasurer, this is a great opportunity to put your financial skills to use in a meaningful way, and work with a committed and motivated board of trustees and senior leadership team, to help meet the needs of unpaid carers and drive our strategic vision and priorities. 

Before you apply

We will contact potential applicants, within 5 working days of their expression of interest, to arrange an informal meeting with the Chief Executive to talk through the role.

Following this and upon receipt of an application form, an interview will be arranged within 4 weeks.

Trustee (Digital Engagement)
Help shape the future of UK safety policy

The Hazards Forum is at a pivotal point in its 35-year history. Long respected as a convenor of expert debate on safety and risk, we are now implementing our Strategy to 2030. In addition to hosting discussions, we aim to actively influence national policy and societal outcomes that make people safer.

To deliver this ambition, we are refreshing our Trustee Board and seeking a Digital Engagement Trustee to modernise our outreach and expand our influence beyond our traditional membership.

We operate a “player-coach” model. With no full-time staff, Trustees provide both governance and hands-on leadership, working closely with a small team of contractors and high-calibre volunteers to turn strategy into action.

If you want a governance role with real strategic and societal impact, we would welcome your application.

About The Hazards Forum

Mission: To be the UK’s trusted facilitator of vital conversations on hazard and risk management, driving a safer and more prosperous society.

Strategic Focus (to 2030):

1.Influencing national policy through engagement with MPs and Civil Servants

2.Developing collaborative partnerships with government, industry and academia

3.Improving industry connectivity by breaking down sector silos

Operating Model: We are a lean, agile, unincorporated charitable association, supported by a Head of Membership & Operations (contractor) and an engaged volunteer community.

The Role: Trustee for Digital Engagement

To influence society, we must reach beyond our traditional membership. We are seeking a digital strategist to help us adopt a digital-first approach, ensuring our work reaches younger professionals and contributes to wider public debate.

You will provide strategic oversight of our digital presence, helping to grow audiences, improve engagement, and helping us to translate complex technical content into accessible, compelling narratives. 

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide strategic direction on digital engagement and audience growth
• Advise on lowering barriers to participation for younger and more diverse professionals
• Guide the development of clear, engaging digital content from technical material
• Support the use of analytics to focus effort on high-impact digital activity

The Ideal Candidate:
• Experience in digital marketing, strategic communications, or content strategy
• Strong understanding of community building, social media, and data analytics
• Strategic, outcome-focused mindset
• Charity sector or trustee experience desirable but not essential

Practicalities

 Time Commitment:

• 4 Board meetings per year (hybrid, usually London)
• 1 annual in-person strategy day
• Around 1–2 days per month supporting strategic delivery

Terms:

• Three-year term, renewable once (maximum six years)
• Voluntary, unpaid role

Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to broadening the diversity of our Board and strongly encourage applications from people of different backgrounds, ages, professions, and communities.

The Vacancy:

Emersons Green Village Hall is seeking to recruit a Chair of Trustees to build upon our success to date, provide visionary strategic leadership and steer the charity through its next stage of development and growth.

This is a voluntary role with a minimum time commitment of approximately five hours per month. We have up to six scheduled bi-monthly Board Meetings, which last up to two hours and are usually held on Tuesday evenings. In addition we have Committee Meetings to deal with finances and operations, plus our AGM.  Meetings are held via Microsoft Teams or in-person at Emersons Green Village Hall. 

The Role of the Chair:

The Chair’s role is to lead the Board of Trustees, providing strategic oversight and governance, and creating a positive and inclusive culture. The Chair will be actively leading on shaping the future of our Hall, developing the business, and setting its strategic direction to ensure financial viability for the future.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a wide variety of skills who can be an enabler to oversee the charity and build on the progress we have made to date. Ideally you will have experience of being a Trustee. We are also looking for individuals with leadership, management, and organisational development skills. Experience in the voluntary sector, community facilities or running community projects would also be beneficial.

As a ‘hands-on’ Chair, you will bring your experience and skills to the role and will be supported by the Trustee Board, plus an established staff team including the Hall and Events Manager, plus the Treasurer and Company Secretary.

Please note that you must be aged 18 years or older.

About Emersons Green Village Hall:

Emersons Green Village Hall is a charity which runs the community centre with the same name. Our aim is to be at the heart of the community. We run our own events and activities and hire out our rooms.

How To Apply:

Please send your CV with contact details of two referees. While we do use LinkedIn, we will not accept your LinkedIn profile in lieu of your CV.

The first step is for our Company Secretary to show you around Emersons Green Village Hall and answer any questions about our operations and the building. If you wish to proceed with your application after your visit and discussion, we will take up your references. If these are satisfactory, one of the current Co-Chairs will interview you. The Board will then discuss any candidates proposed by the Co-Chair at our next Trustee Meeting and you will be notified of the outcome.

Our Company Secretary will then arrange for successful candidates to complete the necessary paperwork, including a basic DBS Check, before starting their roles as Trustees. 

Do you live in Purfleet on Thames or reside in Thurrock?

Do you have a desire to be active within your local community?

Riverview Charitable Trust is looking for motivated and passionate people to join the Board of Trustees to support the overall governance, strategic direction and monitoring of the charity.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Riverview Charitable Trust achieves it core purpose.

Do you have skills in and/or knowledge of any of the following:

• Fundraising
• Marketing
• Finance
• Governance
• Knowledge of the local area

If so, we would love to hear from you!

To express your interest in this opportunity, please email us.

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

Could you help shape the future of an established, values-led charity? We are recruiting for a Chair of Trustees (to replace our current Chair who is nearing end of term) and an additional trustee to support and strengthen the Board.

As we look to the next phase of our development, we are recruiting for two voluntary roles:

Chair of Trustees

An experienced leader to:

• Lead our Board and ensure strong governance
• Provide oversight, challenge and support to our CEO
• Help shape and steward our long-term strategy
• Act as an ambassador for FarmAbility and our mission

Time commitment: approx. 3–4 days per month

Trustee

Strategic, values-driven individual to:

• Contribute to strategy and oversight
• Ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and well governed
• Bring skills, insight and constructive challenge to Board discussions
• Take a lead oversight role in an agreed area (with support)

Time commitment: approx. 2 days per month

We would prefer someone with previous trustee experience, but direct experience of learning disabilities or autism is not essential. What matters most is strategic thinking, good judgement, ability to facilitate and take reasoned decisions and a genuine commitment to inclusion, dignity and opportunity.

Both roles are unpaid, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

If you’re interested—or know someone who might be—please get in touch or share this post within your network.

Finance Lay Trustee

The Finance Lay Trustee will provide strategic financial and commercial leadership to RCOT, ensuring robust governance, financial sustainability and effective oversight of commercial initiatives. As the lead trustee on financial matters, you’ll guide the Board’s understanding of financial strategy, risk and performance, and act as a key link between the Board and the Audit, Investment and Risk Committee (by sitting as a member and/or Chair of the Committee). Your insight will help shape RCOT’s long-term financial health and its ability to deliver on its mission.

We’re seeking a senior finance professional with board-level experience or significant experience reporting to boards. You will bring deep expertise in financial strategy, as well as experience in one or more of: commercial
operations; regulatory compliance; or not-forprofit organisations. You will be confident in interpreting complex financial information and communicating it clearly to non-finance colleagues, and you will take a collaborative,
values-led approach to inclusive and purpose-led leadership.

To view the role profile please click on this Finance Lay Trustee | RCOT 

To apply, please submit a CV and suitability statement aligned with the role profile with no more than 600 words, via this Finance Lay Trustee | RCOT  by Sunday 15 February 2026.

Yes Futures is the UK’s leader in youth coaching. After 12 years of impact and supporting over 3,500 young people across 70+ schools—we are embarking on a defining new strategy in 2026 to expand our national footprint. We are seeking three high-impact Trustees to join our Board and help drive this growth.

Why join us?

This isn't just a "compliance" role. We operate a Portfolio Model, meaning you will lead on a specific strategic area and work directly with our CEO to scale our impact.

• Drive Strategy: Help develop our next strategy cycle in 2026.

• Real-World Impact: Empower young people to build the resilience and confidence they need to thrive.

• High-Level Collaboration: Join a focused, agile Board that values constructive challenge and senior expertise.

Who we need

We are looking for accomplished professionals with senior leadership experience who can open doors and broaden our reach. We have specific gaps for expertise in:

• Strategic Fundraising & Income Generation

• Marketing & Communications

• Technology, AI & Digital Strategy

• Sales & Business Development

• Education Sector Knowledge, Network and Experience

We also know that governance is best when informed by lived experience. We strongly encourage applications from those whose personal journeys resonate with the challenges our young people face.

The Commitment

• Time: Approx. 10–12 days per year.

• Meetings: 5 meetings per year (3 in-person, 2 virtual) plus one annual strategy day.

• Term: Initial 3-year term.

• Expenses: Unremunerated, but necessary travel and subsistence costs are reimbursed.

Closing Date: 31st January 2026.

About us:

Write Back is a young charity helping marginalised young people develop their self-esteem, literacy and creativity through storytelling. Currently based in Barking & Dagenham, since 2020 we have run storytelling programmes for more than 200 young people, helping them tell their stories and printing and celebrating their work. 9 out of 10 participants on our programmes see significant improvements in their self-esteem, and in our short period of operations, we have published over 20 anthologies of young writers’ work, exploring themes like immigration, identity and social isolation.

What we do:

We run 10-week long storytelling programmes in Barking and Dagenham, east London, to build self-esteem among young people aged 13-16. In each session we do confidence building activities, engage with the writing of a young author and then develop the participating young people’s own stories. The 10-week project involves developing their ideas individually and collectively and culminates with the publication of their work, including in books, local museum exhibitions and much more.

We are working with six secondary schools in Barking and Dagenham, who have been referring young people to our programmes or inviting us into their premises to run bespoke programmes for selected students Barking and Dagenham is the 9th most deprived local authority in the country and 37% of the young people and children live in poverty. Despite this recent research shows that Barking and Dagenham has the joint fewest charities per head in the country.

About the role:

Write Back has grown considerably since its founding five years ago. Now with paid part-time staff, strong local networks, secure medium-term funding and proof of impact, we are entering a new phase of organisational growth.

To oversee this, we are looking for a new Chair of Trustees to oversee a significant period of strategic choices. We are looking for someone who wants to get closely involved in setting the strategy, direction and priorities of Write Back as we transition from new ‘start-up’ into a more established charity. As a small charity, the Chair will be someone who can think ‘big picture’ but also is happy to get involved with day-to-day matters when necessary - securing new funding, overseeing our staffing model, building networks with other organisations and more. We are therefore looking for an individual with:

• Experience of organisational governance (ideally experience being on a board of trustees before).

• Experience in a leadership role in a growing organisation (either teams/departments or the whole organisation).

• Strong fundraising and networking skills and experience.

• Knowledge and expertise of the charity sector.

• A strong commitment to the work of Write Back and empowering young people.

• The passion and enthusiasm to throw themselves into a new and exciting charity for young people to help us in our next phase of growth.

• The ability and experience of working at a strategic level, providing expert oversight, advice and guidance, but willing to get involved day-to-day where necessary.

• The skills and temperament to collaborate effectively in a small, growing organisation.

• A good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and an appreciation of the personal implications.

• A demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity.

• Experience in the education sector, or in legal, HR or other operational or governance matters, is a plus but not required.

Core requirements:

• This is a voluntary unpaid role, for which any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Your initial term will be for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

• Attendance at trustee meetings every two months (either online or in person, for roughly 90 minutes), as well as preparation for these meetings and any follow-up tasks.

• Working with the Director and the Treasurer, overseeing all governance, financial and operational matters and reporting requirements as necessary.

• Fulfilling any or all other requirements for trustees as outlined by the Charity Commission.

• We estimate the time commitment to be no more than two days per month in total.