Governance and policy officer volunteer roles

Become a Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people 

With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Trustee. 

For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and the National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year. 

Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education. 

Role Snapshot 

• Shape Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitor performance 
• Ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document 
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity 
• Oversee effective use of resources and long-term sustainability 
• Support and advise the CEO, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives 
• Act as an ambassador, promoting Young Citizens and building relationships with partners, funders, and supporters 

Why join as a Young Citizens Trustee? 

Being a Young Citizens trustee is a strategic and deeply rewarding opportunity. You will: 

• Help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education and democracy 
• Collaborate with fellow trustees bringing expertise in education, law, finance, communications, governance, and public affairs 
• See our impact first-hand by attending key events such as programme launches and the National Finals of our competitions 
• Support a small but highly skilled staff team (around 13 colleagues across the UK) and a network of 1500+ professional volunteers 
• Contribute to decisions on resource investment, digital development, programme growth, and deepening impact 

In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society. 

What We Are Looking For 

We’re seeking two trustees who can help Young Citizens expand our reach, influence, and financial resilience. You don’t need prior trustee experience, we provide a full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support.

We’re especially interested in those with expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Citizenship teaching or school leadership – understanding how schools work and how to embed civic learning and active citizenship across the curriculum. 
• Marketing, communications and influencing – building brands, running campaigns, shifting perceptions and engaging educators, young people and supporters. 
• Business growth, strategic partnerships and business development – scaling organisations, securing strategic partnerships and growing mission-aligned income streams. 
• Digital transformation or innovation – using digital tools, products or platforms to grow impact. 
• Fundraising and income generation – philanthropy, trusts and foundations, corporate fundraising or individual giving. 

We continue to welcome applications from those experienced in leadership, public service, law, finance, policy or youth engagement.

If you’re ready to help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education, influence strategy and strengthen UK democracy through education, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Requirements 

The role requires around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings. Trustees attend four board meetings a year at our St Paul's office (usually weekday evenings), monthly online finance updates, and an annual Away Day. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential renewal. While day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and senior team, trustees hold ultimate responsibility for governance and compliance.

To learn more about the role and the application process, please refer to the job pack for full details. 

GFS is a charity dedicated to enabling girls and young women to become unstoppable. We are seeking people who are committed to gender equality, passionate about youth development, and who value safe, inclusive spaces for girls and young women. 

Roles: Various Trustee positions, including Safeguarding, HR and Treasurer

As a Trustee you will provide leadership and contribute to the Board of Trustees enabling the fulfilment of responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of GFS.

We are looking for Trustees who care deeply about our mission and who bring experience, skills and enthusiasm to help steer the charity into its next chapter.

• The Treasurer is a member of the GFS Board of Trustees and is responsible for leading the Board’s oversight of the organisation’s financial strategy, governance, and sustainability.
• The Safeguarding Trustee provides strategic leadership and assurance on all aspects of safeguarding across GFS. They ensure that the Board of Trustees fulfils its collective duty to protect all children, young people, and adults at risk who come into contact with GFS’s activities.
• We are also looking for Trustees with experience in Human Resources and being part of People teams.
• See Treasurer and HR Trustee roles for more details.

The Safeguarding Trustee provides strategic leadership and assurance on all aspects of safeguarding across GFS. They ensure that the Board of Trustees fulfils its collective duty to protect all children, young people, and adults at risk who come into contact with GFS’s activities. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, and Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL), this trustee champions a proactive safeguarding culture built on trust, transparency, and accountability. Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring that the values and mission of GFS are upheld in all of the decisions and decision-making processes of the Board.
• Contributing actively to the Board’s discussions on the strategic plans for GFS and supporting the Leadership Team to implement them.
• Lead the Board’s responsibility for safeguarding and ensure statutory and regulatory obligations are met.
• Review, approve, and monitor safeguarding policies, ensuring they are updated regularly and effectively implemented.
• Provide assurance that safeguarding risks are identified, managed, and escalated appropriately.
• Offer informed scrutiny and constructive challenge to ensure safeguarding remains a strategic priority.
• Receive regular updates from the DSL and senior leadership, and report key issues and learning to the Board.
• Promote awareness, understanding, and accountability for safeguarding across the organisation, including among volunteers and trustees.
• Keep up to date with safeguarding developments, legislation, and best practice in the charity and youth sectors.
• Act as a visible ambassador for safeguarding, attending relevant committees, events, or training sessions as required.

Time Committment

• Board Members serve an initial three-year term and are eligible for reappointment for an additional term.
• Three Virtual Board meetings and an in person in either in Central London or a central city (meetings are currently held on Saturdays).
• Occasional strategy days, workshops or working groups. Quarterly Sub - Committee membership depending on skills and capacity.
• Regular liaison with the Chair and DSL (typically 3–4 times per year).

Closing date: Monday 16 th February, 9am 

Optional Q&A Session: To be booked individually by contacting our recruitment team. 

Interviews: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th February 

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

AMR Action UK (formerly Antibiotic Research UK) is the UK Patient Organisation for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Its legitimacy to advocate for patients, with policy-makers and with NHS systems, comes from its insight, and therefore through its patient support services, patient-focussed research and direct patient and public engagement activities.

The organisation is at an exciting stage of its development. Following the appointment of a new Chief Executive in late 2024 it has a new strategy in place and by greatly increasing its impact over the next 3 years intends to significantly reduce the harm from AMR across all four nations of the United Kingdom. The charity is also committed to expanding its services to meet the growing demand from patients and families directly impacted by AMR. This growth will be underpinned by a new name and new brand, a fresh approach to communications that will greatly increase awareness of the charity’s work with the UK public, and a new fundraising strategy that will both grow and diversify income and also increase sustainability.

The charity is now looking for a dynamic new Chair of Trustees who is excited by our plans, and by the difference this will make to peoples’ lives. Given the growth agenda for the period 2025-28, the suitable candidate at this point in time is likely to come from a commercial background, with a strong understanding of strategy, investment, business development, and communications in the context of a rapidly changing environment. They are also likely to have a track-record of successfully managing risk v reward in a growing business. Increasing donations from corporates and philanthropists is important to the charity at this stage in its development and the new Chair will be comfortable operating in these environments.

A key part of the role will be to support the new senior executive team charged with delivering the growth agenda, including establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the CEO.

This is a fully remote role, but the successful candidate must live in the UK. You would be expected to attend 1 strategy away day per year, and also to support the CEO in in-person meetings in London as and when required.

Make a Difference: Become a Trustee for Emmaus Greenwich!

Are you passionate about tackling homelessness and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives? Emmaus Greenwich is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help steer our vital work in London. 

Who We Are:
Emmaus Greenwich provides a home, support, and meaningful work through our social enterprises, giving people experiencing homelessness a reason to get up in the morning and a path to regain independence. 

Your Role as a Trustee:

• Help shape our strategy and ensure goals align with our vision.
• Provide governance and oversight, ensuring compliance and robust management.
• Volunteer your time (meetings are held five times a year) and potentially get involved in projects. 

Who We're Looking For:
We're keen to build a diverse board with skills in:

• Finance & Business Development
• Human Resources (HR)
• Retail & Social Enterprise
• Housing Law
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Time Commitment:

Trustees at Emmaus Greenwich serve for up to three terms of three years each. The Board meets every two months, both in person and online, and also comes together for an annual in-person strategy session, usually held in winter.

There are three internal sub-committees, each focusing on a specific area of the organisation’s work. These committees also meet every two months, either in person or online, and every trustee is expected to join at least one.

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're an experienced trustee or taking your first step at board level, we want to hear from you! 

Join us in creating lasting change for those facing homelessness in our community!

Are you a legal expert who could use your strengths, skills or experience to make a positive difference to Age UK Hertfordshire – a successful charity with the simple, yet vital, mission: “To support older people by delivering services that help make later life fulfilling and enjoyable experience”?

Age UK Hertfordshire (AUKH) is a large charity that every year reaches thousands of older people and their carers, and has a high level of recognition across the County’s statutory authorities, voluntary sector and the public.  Our services – some developed and delivered in productive partnerships – include “active ageing” day clubs, help in the home, dementia support, befriending and in-touch telephone support, nutrition and dietetics service, hospital and community “navigation”, information and advice.

To build and grow from our current strong position, we need to expand our Trustee Board - to complement the skills of our present Trustees and broaden our Board’s diversity.

We welcome applications from all age groups and backgrounds, and we are particularly looking for legal skills.

In addition, the following areas of expertise are also welcome:

• fundraising and income generation;
• financial management;
• communications and social media;
• building local stakeholder relationships; 

Board and/or senior experience would be a valuable bonus.

Time commitment is one day per month during working hours.

This is a volunteer role, offering the opportunity to contribute actively to the lives of older people in our communities, and gain leadership and Board experience with a collaborative team of committed Trustees.

Please take a look at Age UK Hertfordshire's website for further information. 

Closing date for applications:Friday 20 February 2026.

 The selection process will be in two stages involving interviews with existing Trustees, plus a meeting with the Chair of Trustees and CEO for candidates on the final shortlist.

The provisional dates for first interviews are week commencing 2 March 2026

Become a Young Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people!

With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Young Trustee.

For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year.

Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Young Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education.

Role Snapshot: 

• Contribute to shaping Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitoring performance
• Help ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document (training provided)
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity
• Support effective use of resources and long-term sustainability
• Work with fellow trustees to advise and support the CEO
• Act as an ambassador for Young Citizens, promoting our mission and building connections

Why join as a Young Trustee?

• Play an important role in guiding a national charity at a critical time for civic education.
• Bring your perspective as a young person to Board discussions - your lived experience matters.
• Gain governance experience, develop leadership skills, and learn how charities operate.
• Receive full induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing support, including a mentor trustee.

In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society.

What We Are Looking For

We’re looking for young trustees who bring fresh ideas, big-picture thinking, and a collaborative spirit. You’ll approach the role with openness and integrity, ready to learn, grow, and champion Young Citizens beyond the boardroom.

We welcome applications from young people aged 18–25 who are passionate about active citizenship and youth voice. You do not need prior board experience - training and support will be provided. We’re looking for potential, and learning as you go is part of the role. If you have experience or interest in any of the following areas, that’s great (but not essential):

• Citizenship education or youth engagement
• Marketing, communications, or influencing
• Business growth and partnerships
• Digital innovation or technology
• Fundraising and income generation

We also welcome diverse experiences or educational backgrounds, including leadership, public service, law, finance, policy, or community involvement.

If you want to play an active role in guiding strategy and making decisions that matter, ensuring hundreds of thousands of young people every year have the skills and confidence to engage fully in society, we’d love to hear from you!

Role Requirements

The role requires around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings. Trustees attend four board meetings a year (usually weekday evenings in London), monthly online finance updates, and an annual Away Day. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential renewal. While day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and senior team, trustees hold ultimate responsibility for governance and compliance. 

To learn more about the role and the application process, please refer to the job pack for full details.

We’re looking for a Treasurer who wants to join our friendly and committed Board of Trustees to support and develop the work of Maa Shanti.

About Maa Shanti

We offer practical support, advocacy, emotional support, and activities tailored to the needs of South Asian mothers. Services are available in person, online, or in a blended format, and the team speaks Bengali, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi to ensure culturally sensitive engagement.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities: 

• To oversee, approve and present all yearly budgets, quarterly and annual accounts and other relevant financial statements.
• Review budgets, accounts, and financial statements in advance of Board meetings.
• Present regular reports on the organisation's financial position.
• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity, and where necessary, recommend action.
• Ensure the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements with regards to financial matters.
• Maintain sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the agreed budget and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies.

Time Commitment

• Quarterly Board meetings (which are currently held online).
• 2 away days a year. In addition to Board meetings, there will be some ad hoc work support required in between meetings.
• Overall estimated time commitment is 1 day a month.
• Remote/hybrid working offered if needed.

What are we looking for?

You do not need previous governance experience to join the board. We will provide an induction an ongoing support. 

Skills and experience: 

• Practicing finance professional (i.e. Accountant, Finance Manager, Finance Director).
• Ideally you will have charity finance experience.
• Ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• Enthusiasm for the work of Maa Shanti. 

We warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our Board. As a woman only and led-by-and-for organisation, all board members must be women, and at least 90% of the board must come from South Asian backgrounds.

What difference will you make?

Joining Maa Shanti’s Board is an opportunity to be part of a values-led, survivor-centred organisation making a real difference in the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse. As Treasurer, you will help shape the future of a trusted, community-rooted charity at a time of growth and increasing need. You’ll work alongside a thoughtful, supportive Board and leadership team, contributing your perspective, skills and lived experience to ensure survivors’ voices remain at the heart of everything we do.

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) is the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers.

We are seeking a new Co-opted Committee Member with finance expertise and an interest in dance to join our welcoming and experienced Finance, Audit & Risk Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees. Our ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the requirements of charity governance and risk.

For full details, including how to apply, please download the role information pack from our website. 

Application deadline: Monday 9 February 2026.

We are seeking someone who has experience of being a Treasurer or Finance, Audit & Risk Committee Member (preferably in the charity sector) and has a good understanding of the requirements of charity accounting and governance.

If you are excited by this opportunity and resonate with DCD’s values, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.

*Please note we a recruiting multiple trustees and will be interviewing as applications arrive.*

Her Centre is a women-led charity supporting women at risk of or experiencing abuse. We are seeking trustees with a passion for supporting and safeguarding women and relevant skills and knowledge to join our board. We especially welcome applications from women from the global majority and minoritised communities, including Black African and Caribbean, Indian, Tamil, Somali or Nepalese women, to help our board better reflect the communities we serve.

About Her Centre

Since 1997, Her Centre has provided support to over 1,000 women each year across Greenwich. Our services include:

· Accredited independent advocacy for women experiencing domestic or sexual abuse

· Counselling and follow-up support

· Women-only training, support, and social groups

· Drop-in advice sessions and open forums on issues affecting women

We take a holistic approach, empowering women to make informed choices for their future, achieve independence and thrive. As a woman-focused organisation, we believe in tackling domestic and sexual abuse through empowerment while challenging societal inequalities that perpetuate violence.

As a trustee, you will:

· Help set and maintain our vision, mission, and values

· Contribute to strategic planning, business and annual plans

· Monitor policies and ensure compliance with governing documents and the law

· Help maintain our legal, HR and fiscal responsibilities

· Provide oversight and support to the Chief Executive and staff

· Promote the organisation and participate in fundraising and engagement opportunities

Trustees meet every other month, alternating between in-person and online meetings, usually on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm. There is also one full annual review day on a Saturday in September. Outside formal meetings, trustees contribute to strategic decisions, governance admin, and support for the CEO in ensuring the wellbeing of staff and service users. From time to time the board may run sub-groups of trustees to address specific topics or pieces of work.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking women with experience in governance or senior management to complement our existing board, which includes representation from the private, public, and larger voluntary sectors, as well as two former service users. We highly value lived experience and welcome all types of expertise.

If you are passionate about supporting women and ending violence, and you have the time and capacity to help our organisation thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

Becoming a trustee offers the opportunity to use your skills to make a meaningful difference in women’s lives, help shape the future of Her Centre, and gain new experiences in governance, strategy, and leadership within a supportive and inspiring environment.

As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2028, we are looking for committed new trustees with energy, passion and time who will continue to drive us forward.

Musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn't: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. Young Sounds is here to change this.

For nearly 30 years we've supported talented young people from low-income families, helping them to overcome financial and social barriers. Whether they're making or creating music our programmes help young musicians from across the UK to fulfil their musical potential.

Trustees are expected to engage with and support all aspects of the charity, helping to foster stakeholder relationships, representing the organisation regionally and nationally and ensuring compliance and safeguarding. 

Principal responsibilities are:

• Strategy - contributing actively to the formation of strategy, the Young Sounds business plan, and evaluating the performance of the organisation against the plan.
• Oversight - ensuring that the charity is well run, efficient and compliant with the charity's Articles of Association, its policies, including safeguarding and EDI, governance codes of practice, legal responsibilities and upholding the organisation's reputation and values.
• Advocacy - advocating for the charity at all times, supporting fundraising efforts and promoting the work of the charity in the trustee's daily life.

Requirements:

Previous trustee experience is not necessary, and we welcome trustees who can bring a diversity of life experiences, cultural knowledge and expertise.

As a national charity we are keen to attract trustees from all parts of the UK, and particularly those who are based outside London and the South East.

For this round, we particularly welcome expertise in the following areas:

• EDI and CSR programmes in the creative industries
• Youth culture and content creation
• Music Hub and/or National Curriculum expertise
• Fundraising
• Contemporary music performance and production

Above all we are looking for trustees who are passionate about, and willing to advocate strongly for, giving all young people the opportunity to have a musical life, particularly those facing the most barriers. We also expect trustees to have an overarching commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Please see the Role Information Pack for full details including how to apply.

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:

• Organisational Leadership: Assist the Chief Ranger in the overall management, governance, and operational running of Ranger Cadets nationwide.

• National Oversight: Provide high-level support and guidance to regional and unit leadership teams to ensure consistency in the cadet syllabus and safety standards.

• Strategic Growth: Help lead the expansion of Ranger Cadets, ensuring that new units are sustainable and aligned with our core values.

• Representational Duties: Act as a key ambassador for the organisation at national events, ceremonies, and meetings with external stakeholders and partners.

• Mentorship: Provide senior-level mentorship to adult volunteers, fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and inclusion.

What We Are Looking For:

• Proven Leadership: Experience in senior management, ideally within a uniformed organisation, the military, emergency services, or the charitable sector.

• Strategic Thinker: The ability to look beyond the day-to-day operations and help plan the long-term future of the organisation.

• Commitment to Values: A deep alignment with the Ranger Cadets' mission to empower young people and boost their confidence.

• Presence & Authority: Comfortable wearing the rank insignia of a Senior Officer and leading with integrity, empathy, and professional standards.

Why Take on This Command?

• Executive Impact: Play a defining role in the history and growth of a national youth organisation.

• Professional Prestige: Hold a senior rank (One Crown, Two Pips) that reflects your responsibility and expertise.

• 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

Individually and as part of the Trustee team to be the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably. 

To act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and always bear the interests of The Hospice of St Francis in mind.

In certain circumstances, provide high-level entry to other organisations and institutions to which the charity might not otherwise have access, to further the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity

Individually and as part of the Trustee team to be the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably. 

To act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and always bear the interests of The Hospice of St Francis in mind.

In certain circumstances, provide high-level entry to other organisations and institutions to which the charity might not otherwise have access, to further the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity

Main duties and Responsibilities:

· Set and maintain vision, mission and values

· Develop strategy, set overall policy, define strategic objectives and evaluating performance against agreed targets

· Assure continuous compliance with the legal and regulatory standards governing the operation of the charity, the charity governing document and any other relevant legislation, updating the articles of association as required.

· Assure proper financial control and ensure the application of resources is exclusively in pursuance of the charitable objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

· Assure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises

· Assure that The Hospice of St Francis pursues its objects as defined in its governing document (e.g. the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the district of providing palliative care at the Hospice, at patients home, in our Spring Centre and in the community, and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of distress and sickness)

· Assure employment procedures and policy and procedures for volunteering are compliant with legislation and regulation, subject to regular review and support the fulfilment of strategic objectives

· Assure risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out including accurate and timely reporting using the format of risk registers

· To contribute to, assure and maintain effective performance of the Board and Committees, including systems and processes for external assessment of these arrangements

· Support the CEO and Executive Team to fulfil their delegated responsibilities and hold them to account for delivery of strategic objectives

· To attend Board meetings quarterly, up to two Board awaydays annually and serve as a member of up to two Committees.

· Operate as a member of the Board of Trustees

· Able to be registered as a Directors of the Charity at Companies House, sharing ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. 

· Act as an ambassador supporting the work of the Hospice in generating income and in its relationship with the communities served.

Term of Office

Appointments are made on an initial 4 year term, with annual appraisal, with the option to serve a second term.

Where a Trustee has completed two terms and is selected as Chair of the Board of Trustees, or asked to undertake specific project work their term of office will be reset by People Governance Committee and ratified at the AGM.

INVITING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE ROLE OF CHAIR

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair with Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT). 

This is an exciting time in the evolution of the organisation. As we prepare for our 50th anniversary in 2027, we are reflecting on our impact – past, present and future – while working towards a more comprehensive creative offer for young theatre-makers across Scotland.

Reaching the end of his tenure on the board, our outgoing Chair has been crucial to the company’s navigation of the most challenging times in our sector and the remodelling of the company. The new Chair will come into an organisation with a committed board and small industrious staff team with big ambitions.

Current priorities:

• Grow the artistic programme for the benefit of more young artists with different needs and aspirations across Scotland
• Amplify the company’s profile and increase awareness of the work and priorities of SYT now
• Broaden and deepen relationships with partners, allies and funders
• Secure additional resources to realise our ambitions

What we are looking for

• Previous experience in a governance or leadership role in the charitable sector (previous experience as a Chair is not essential but knowledge and familiarity with charity governance requirements is essential)
• An enthusiasm for theatre and supporting young people in their development as artists
• Ability to offer an impartial perspective and take a collaborative approach that draws on the collective wisdom of the Board
• Clear understanding of the distinction between the role of trustees and senior staff
• Alignment to our company values
• Firm understanding of the financial undertakings of charities and associated legal requirements
• Committed to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion

Role of the Board

Board members are non-executive directors of the company and trustees of the charity. They have corporate and individual responsibilities under company law and charity law.

The Board is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Scottish Youth Theatre, supporting the staff team to deliver on the company’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities of the Chair

Provide leadership to the board and chair board meetings

Work with fellow Trustees to ensure compliance with legal, financial and environmental requirements Maintain an overview of the board’s performance, appraising individual and collective performance Maintain an overview of the composition of the board in skills and diversity and to lead on refreshment and succession planning.

Supporting the CEO

Appoint the CEO, in conjunction with the board, and monitor their performance

Line manage and support the CEO and be a point of liaison 

Lead on appraisal of performance of the CEO

Time Commitment

Board members are required to attend four meetings per year plus the AGM which are usually held online via Zoom. Once a year we bring together the Board and full staff team for an in-person joint planning and review session. Supporting our young artists through attending performances is also appreciated.

There is one permanent sub-group of the Board for finance. Individual Board members may also be asked to bring their expertise to specific pieces of work or policy development and some are the identified leads for areas of policy e.g. safeguarding, fundraising, environment. 

The Chair of the Board acts as line manager to the CEO, maintaining regular contact to keep up to date with progress and offer support (on average one meeting per month and email correspondence).

All Directors may serve a maximum of three terms of office, each term being 3 years (9 years maximum).

Timeframe

Deadline is 9.00am on Tuesday, 3rd February

We will let you know no later than 17th February if we would like to proceed to an informal conversation.  The final stage will be more formal with members of the Board.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.