203 Governance management volunteer roles

Hope Nottingham CIO is seeking a prayerful, inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board as we continue growing communities of hope across Nottingham. As a Christian charity, we are motivated by our faith to serve local people with compassion, practical support and encouragement, helping to reduce poverty, overcome loneliness and create places where people can belong and flourish. This is a significant opportunity to help steward a well-known and respected, local charity rooted in Christian values, community transformation and lasting hope.

As Chair, you will provide wise, inclusive and faith-filled leadership to the Board, helping trustees govern well, stay focused on the charity’s purposes and work closely with the Chief Executive Officer in a relationship marked by encouragement, accountability and trust.

We are looking for someone with strong people skills, leadership experience and sound judgement, who has either chaired a board before or is ready to step confidently into the role. You will bring a heart for our mission and the ability to combine strategic thinking with humility, collaboration and a genuine desire to serve. We would particularly welcome someone who can help us live out our Christian ethos in ways that are welcoming, practical and full of hope.

Principal responsibilities

· Provide confident, inclusive and faith-shaped leadership to the Board, enabling trustees to fulfil their duties well and contribute effectively.

· Ensure the charity remains true to its charitable purposes, Charity Governance Code, Christian ethos, vision, values and commitment to public benefit.

· Work closely with trustees and the Chief Executive Officer to shape strategy, monitor progress and support the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the charity.

· Support the Chief Executive Officer through regular communication, encouragement, accountability and constructive challenge, while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and operational management.

· Chair meetings well, ensuring trustees are well informed, discussion is balanced, all voices are heard and decisions are taken in the best interests of the charity.

· Support the development and effectiveness of the Board through recruitment, induction, succession planning and regular review of contributions and effectiveness.

· Act as a credible ambassador for the charity

· This post has an occupational requirement to be a committed Christian, in line with Hope Nottingham’s purpose to advance the Christian faith. It requires an understanding of, and active commitment to, the Christian ethos of the charity.

Essential: Previous Chair and/ or board or experience. You may not have had previous Chair experience but must be an experienced trustee with sound knowledge of governance and an understanding of the charity, faith or community sector.

Time commitment: This is a voluntary role. The Chair will have the time to get to know the organisation, attend in person evening board meetings in Beeston (bi-monthly), prepare for meetings, meet monthly with the Chief Executive (can be online) and be available for ad-hoc discussions and act as ambassador at occasional events as needed.

Join a committed group of people who give their time, expertise and insight to help govern the SS Great Britain Trust and safeguard the future of one of the world’s most significant historic ships.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, oversight and guidance, helping to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient, culturally relevant and ambitious in its mission. Working alongside fellow Trustees and the executive team, you will contribute your skills, knowledge and experience to support effective decision-making, long-term sustainability and opportunities for future generations to learn from and enjoy this important heritage asset. Together, our Trustees play a vital role in ensuring the SS Great Britain Trust has a vibrant and sustainable future.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and are committed to building a Board that reflects the communities we serve.

About the Roles

The Board is seeking to appoint two Trustees to support us in the following areas:

· Education, Skills and Community

Our strategy puts young people and Bristol’s communities at the centre of what we do. We are looking for someone with significant experience in education, learning, skills development or community engagement, who can help us broaden participation and deepen our public impact.

The successful candidate will help ensure the Trust continues to expand participation, deepen engagement and strengthen its relevance for all audiences.

· Cultural Leadership Trustee

We are seeking someone with significant senior leadership experience in a museum, heritage, cultural or visitor attraction organisation. This may have been gained as a CEO, Managing Director, Executive Director or in a comparable strategic leadership role. You will bring strategic insight, sound judgement and constructive challenge to Board discussions.

You will be able to demonstrate a track record of balancing public benefit, commercial growth, authentic storytelling and high-quality programming. Your expertise and perspective will help the Trust realise its ambitions and maximise its impact.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a nationally significant heritage organisation, contributing the knowledge and insights gained through leading a complex cultural institution.

Could you help shape the future of one of Suffolk’s most important heritage and conservation sites?

The Landguard and Felixstowe Conservation Trust seeks an experienced and inspirational Chair to lead its Board and support the long-term development of the nationally significant Landguard Peninsula, home to the Grade I listed Landguard Fort, Nature Reserve, Museum and Bird Observatory.

Welcoming around 500,000 visitors annually, the Trust works with volunteers, staff and partner organisations to conserve and enhance this unique heritage and wildlife asset.

You will bring strategic leadership, governance experience, excellent communication skills and a commitment to charitable values.

This is an unpaid role (reasonable expenses reimbursed).

For further information and an informal discussion, contact Paul Grant.

 A pack has been produced to be sent to all potential candidates that express an interest in the role. A copy can be provided on request.

Are you ready to lead the UK’s pioneer in intergenerational arts into its most ambitious chapter yet?

"I will never look at a teenager the same again!" — Older participant

"I will see the older generation with a new perspective." — Student 

At Magic Me, we bring generations together through extraordinary creative projects that dismantle ageism, build lasting community connections, and reduce loneliness across London. 92% of our participants report increased confidence to try new things, and 93% feel more connected to their community.

As we prepare to launch our bold 2027–2032 Strategy, we are looking for an inspiring, networked cultural leader to step into the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees (or join as part of a Co-Chair model) and help us tackle ageism and connect the generations.

Why this role stands out:

• You will take post in April 2027, right at the launch of our 2027–2032 strategy co-created with over 60 community stakeholders. 
• You’ll help us create London’s first Intergenerational Borough in Tower Hamlets, forge exciting arts & cultural venue partnerships, and launch a 40th-anniversary physical and digital archive. 
• You will lead a stable, healthy charity holding £150,000 in unrestricted reserves (50% above policy), anchored by Arts Council England NPO status and strong Trust & Foundation funding. 
• You’ll act as a strategic sounding board and mentor to our dynamic Co-CEOs (Executive Director and Creative Director) who took the helm in late 2025. 
• You'll steward our active, engaged board and be supported by four high functioning sub-committees (Creative Strategy, People, Fundraising & Marketing, Finance, Audit & Risk) so the Chair can stay focused on high-level strategy and advocacy.

Open to alternative leadership models!

Collaboration is at the heart of our values. We actively welcome applications for a Co-Chair structure or pairing with a Vice-Chair. Whether you are a senior arts leader seeking your first board leadership role or an experienced charity Chair looking to partner with a passionate creative practitioner, we’d love to explore how this could work for you.

Who we’re looking for:

• Arts & cultural leadership: Experience leading major programmes, projects, or organisations in the creative or cultural sector. 
• Advocacy & door-opening: A natural networker who can connect Magic Me with high-profile cultural partners and funders. 
• Passion for participatory arts: A genuine belief in the power of creative practice to change lives, challenge preconceptions, and strengthen communities. 
• Inclusive & warm approach: Strategic clarity paired with empathy, excellent facilitation skills, and a strong commitment to EDI and anti-ageist principles.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates from racially minoritised backgrounds (including the Bangladeshi community in Tower Hamlets), LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled candidates. Connections to Tower Hamlets are welcome, though not essential.

How to apply:

We are using CharityJob’s anonymised recruitment platform to ensure a fair, unbiased process. Click the apply now button to get started!

Informal conversations: For a confidential discussion about the role or exploring a Co-Chair arrangement, please contact our recruitment partner Achates (see job pack for details). Please do not contact Magic Me directly about this role. 

Closing date: Sunday 1st November at 11:59 PM 

We look forward to reading your application!

M13 Youth Project has been serving the communities of Ardwick and Hulme for over 30 years, building an outstanding reputation for high-quality youth work, deep community roots and a long-term commitment to children, and young people. Today, the organisation is recognised nationally for its expertise in detached youth work and for the impact it continues to have on the lives of young people.

What impresses me most about M13 is its unwavering commitment to showing up consistently, particularly in communities where opportunities can be limited and challenges are significant. Through its work, young people are supported to build confidence, develop leadership skills, strengthen their sense of belonging and create positive change for themselves and those around them.

As Chair of Trustees, I have the privilege of seeing first-hand the dedication, creativity and professionalism of our staff, volunteers and supporters. Their commitment ensures that M13 remains a trusted and respected organisation while continuing to adapt and respond to the changing needs of young people.

As we look to the future, we are seeking new Trustees who can bring fresh perspectives, skills and experience to help shape the next chapter of M13's development. Your contribution could help ensure the organisation remains strong, sustainable and impactful for years to come.

Trustees play an essential role in providing strategic oversight, supporting good governance and championing the values that have guided M13 throughout its history. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an organisation that is making a meaningful difference every day.

We would be delighted to hear from people who share our passion for young people, thriving communities and social justice.

Dr Matthew Harrison, Chair of Trustees

Who We Are

M13 Youth Project exists to be a consistent, trusted presence in communities experiencing deep-rooted inequality. We walk alongside young people, nurturing hope, belonging and belief so they can flourish and help shape thriving communities for generations to come. We do this through relational detached youth work and purposeful informal education, working alongside young people to create opportunities to learn about themselves, others and the world, to develop their voice and power, and to work together to create lasting change in their communities.

We are a Manchester-based youth work charity working alongside children and young people in Ardwick and Hulme and young dads city-wide. Established in 1995 by Dr Helen Gatenby, we have built a national reputation for delivering high-quality detached youth work, informal education and consistent relationship-based practice that supports young people to flourish.

Our work is rooted in long-term trusted relationships. Each year we work with hundreds of children, young people and young fathers through street-based detached youth work, group work, community activities, leadership opportunities and targeted projects. We create spaces where young people feel valued, heard and supported, enabling them to explore who they are, develop their strengths and work together to make positive change.

Our caring approach is informed by the principles and practices of youth work, informal education and trauma-informed practice, underpinned by our open and inclusive Christian value base that emphasises love and justice. We believe all young people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and that each young person can love, think, create, reflect, enjoy, achieve and make a positive difference to their world.

Why M13 Matters

Many of the communities where M13 works experience persistent social and economic inequalities. Young people often face barriers including poverty, racism, difficult childhood experiences, limited opportunities, exclusion and a lack of access to trusted adult relationships. Our response is simple but powerful: we show up consistently and walk alongside young people over time. 

The relationship is the work.

Through trusted relationships and informal education, young people develop hope, belonging and belief. They discover their voice, strengthen their confidence and realise their ability to influence their own futures and the communities around them.

Governance and Leadership

M13 is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who generously contribute their time, expertise and enthusiasm. The board provide strategic leadership, oversight and accountability for the charity.

The board meets throughout the year working closely with Helen and the staff team. As M13 celebrates more than 30 years of youth work practice, we are undertaking significant reflection and planning for the future.

We are:

• Evaluating our long-term impact
• Researching future need within our communities
• Developing strategic priorities for the next five years
• Strengthening organisational systems and sustainability
• Building on our national reputation for detached youth work excellence
• Expanding opportunities for young people to influence and shape our work

This is an exciting time to join the Board and contribute to the next chapter of M13's story.

Why become a Trustee?

Trusteeship with M13 offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children and young people. As a Trustee you will:

Make a Lasting Difference: Help ensure young people have access to trusted relationships, opportunities and support.

Shape Strategic Direction: Contribute to the future development of a respected charity with a strong track record and clear purpose.

Use Your Skills for Good: Apply your professional knowledge and experience to create positive social impact.

Develop Leadership Experience: Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning and organisational development.

Join a Passionate Community: Work alongside committed Trustees, staff, volunteers and young people who believe in the power of relationships and community.

Support Social Justice: Help tackle inequality and create opportunities for young people to flourish.

Join our Board of Trustees to advocate for the rights of Black and minoritised migrant women interacting with the immigration and criminal justice systems.

 Who we are

The women supported by Hibiscus have been subjected to violence against women and girls (VAWG) including trafficking, modern slavery, sexual violence, rape, violence against women in war, conflict and post-conflict and institutional violence among other forms of violence. Hibiscus continues to develop specialist services from an intersectional feminist and trauma-informed perspective addressing everyday experiences of violence to which women are subjected and institutional harms.

Why join our Board

This is an important opportunity to contribute financial expertise, governance insight and commitment to an intersectional feminist organisation working for rights, justice and safety for women and girls. As a treasurer your financial expertise will help us create lasting impact for women facing some of the most complex barriers in society.

You will work closely with the Chair, CEO, the Operations and Services Director, fellow trustees to monitor the charity’s financial standing, oversee budgeting and strategic financial planning. You will support strong reporting and audit processes and chair the Finance Sub-Committee. You will help ensure that Hibiscus’ financial resources are well managed, transparent and aligned with our mission, values and long-term sustainability.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a Treasurer who can bring both technical financial expertise and a thoughtful, values-led approach to governance. You will be a qualified accountant with a strong understanding of charity finance, financial controls, budgeting, reserves, audit processes and the regulatory environment in which charities operate, including Charity Commission requirements and Charity SORP.

What you will bring to the role:

You will be confident interpreting financial information, asking constructive questions and helping fellow trustees understand the financial implications of strategic decisions. The successful candidate will be able to translate complex financial information into clear, accessible advice that supports strong collective decision-making by the Board.

• A clear understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship.
• Experience of financial planning, management accounts, cash-flow forecasting, risk management and annual audit processes.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the Chair, CEO, Director of Operations and other trustees while maintaining appropriate independence and oversight.
•  Strong analytical judgement and the confidence to advise the Board on financial sustainability, reserves, income, expenditure and strategic risk.
• A commitment to Hibiscus’ intersectional feminist, anti-racist and social justice values, and to centring the rights and experiences of Black and minoritised migrant women.
•  A team-oriented approach, with the capacity to support good governance, constructive challenge and long-term organisational sustainability.

Key details about the role

The Role: Previous experience as a charity treasurer, or wider experience in the voluntary sector, charity fundraising or strategic funder engagement would be an advantage. Most importantly, you will share Hibiscus’ commitment to good governance, accountability and financial stewardship in support of our mission.

   Term: The initial term is three years, renewable for up to a maximum of nine years. This role is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply

To apply, please send your completed application form and CV to clearly stating “Application for Treasurer” in the subject heading of your email. In your application, please highlight your experience of financial management, particularly within the charity or voluntary sector, and explain how your skills and values align with Hibiscus’ mission and ethos. Please review the skills criteria within the personal specification of the application pack.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Swansea Carers Centre are seeking an experienced and inspirational Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and help shape the next phase of our development.

About Swansea Carers Centre

Swansea Carers Centre is a vibrant, welcoming Tier 2 charity supporting unpaid carers across the City & County of Swansea. Every year, over 1,800 carers access our services, and more than 10,500 carers have registered with us since our founding. We provide welfare benefits advice, counselling, respite opportunities, dementia support, young adult carer projects, volunteer‑led initiatives, training, social groups and more. The services are all designed to ensure carers feel valued, connected and empowered. We also look to identify hidden carers and make certain that people looking after others can find the support they need.

An unpaid carer is anyone who provides support to a family member, friend or neighbour due to a variety of reasons which could include illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction, or age‑related frailty. Many people do not recognise themselves as carers yet they take on vital responsibilities that can have a profound impact on their wellbeing, finances and daily life. Our vision is a society where carers are recognised, respected and supported as equal partners in care. Our mission is to make a positive difference to carers’ lives by working in partnership with carers, statutory bodies and voluntary organisations.

The Role

The Chair will lead a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring Swansea Carers Centre is well-governed, financially sustainable and forward‑looking.

You will work closely with our CEO and Senior Management Team to embed strong governance practices, support strategic decision‑making, and champion a culture of empowerment across the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role at a time when carers’ needs are growing, and the charity is strengthening its strategic direction.

We are particularly seeking a Chair who can:

• Embed modern, effective governance approaches
• Support the Board to focus on strategic leadership rather than operational detail
• Empower staff and volunteers to deliver high‑quality, carer‑led services
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, health bodies, funders and community organisations
• Represent Swansea Carers Centre with confidence and credibility

Monthly Board meetings are held in person in Swansea, and we welcome applications from candidates based elsewhere who are willing to travel to attend.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board to ensure balanced, inclusive and focused discussion
• Promote high standards of governance and regulatory compliance
• Provide strategic leadership and support effective decision‑making
• Build a strong, supportive working relationship with the CEO
• Ensure trustees receive timely, relevant information
• Champion carers’ interests and represent the charity externally
• Support succession planning and Board development
• Attend approximately 12 Board meetings per year, plus occasional sub‑committees and events

Term: Three years, renewable

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

• Experience chairing Boards, committees or senior governance meetings
• Strong understanding of charity governance and trusteeship
• Proven leadership and excellent communication skills
• Strategic thinker with sound judgement
• Ability to build consensus and foster positive relationships
• Commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers
• Financial awareness and comfort with digital tools
• Integrity, emotional intelligence and a collaborative approach

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair
• Experience in voluntary, community, health or social care sectors
• Knowledge of charity finance, fundraising or organisational development
• Experience working with diverse communities

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of carers across Swansea. You’ll be joining a passionate team, a committed Board, and an organisation with a clear mission, strong values and a desire to evolve its governance and strategic leadership.

If you want to help shape a charity that empowers carers, strengthens communities and delivers high‑quality support, we would love to hear from you.

Global Health Access Trust is looking for a Governance & Charity Administration Volunteer to help strengthen the records, policies and administrative foundations of an international charitable organisation working towards registration.

This opportunity would suit someone with governance, legal, charity administration or senior administrative experience who enjoys bringing order, accuracy and follow-through to important organisational work.

Global Health Access Trust (GHAT) develops, funds and coordinates defined projects that advance health, relieve illness and preserve life for the public benefit. Good governance, safeguarding, accountability and responsible stewardship sit at the centre of how that work is developed and delivered.

What you could contribute

• Help maintain governance policies, registers and organisational records
• Support preparation and organisation of governance documentation
• Help maintain accurate meeting records and action points
• Track agreed actions and follow-up
• Support orderly document management and version control
• Help ensure governance information is complete, current and easy to retrieve
• Work with the Trust team to strengthen practical administrative processes

Who this could suit

This opportunity may suit people with experience in governance, charity administration, legal administration, company secretarial work, compliance or senior administrative roles.

We particularly welcome methodical, discreet people who are comfortable handling confidential information, maintaining accurate records and working within agreed processes.

Strong written communication, attention to detail and dependable follow-through are important.

The opportunity can usually be undertaken remotely from any country and the commitment is ongoing and flexible.

The role is voluntary and unpaid. There is no salary, fee, employment benefit or entitlement to expenses.

How to apply

Applications are handled through the Global Health Access Trust website. When you click to apply, you will be taken to GHAT’s Governance, Safety & Assurance section. There you can review this opportunity in context, explore the other current opportunities within this area and select the opportunity that best matches your experience before submitting the GHAT application form.

Who we are:

WECare Worldwide is a UK and Sri Lankan registered charity set up by veterinary surgeon Janey Lowes. Our mission is to provide international standard veterinary care for less fortunate dogs around the world, starting in Sri Lanka. The WECare Team is made up of passionate, dedicated and brilliant individuals who work extremely hard to achieve the aim of dramatically improving the outlook for street dogs worldwide. With 75% of the globe’s dog population going without access to healthcare. We want to plug that gap and provide them with a whole lot of love while we do it!

Primary purpose of the role:

The Trustee (Treasurer) role forms part of our dedicated and passionate Board of Trustees. This voluntary position plays a vital role in ensuring the charity remains financially sustainable, well-governed and able to maximise its impact for dogs in need. As Treasurer, you will work closely with the Chair, fellow Trustees and senior management to oversee the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring appropriate financial management, reporting and compliance with Charity Commission requirements.

The Treasurer is not expected to undertake the day-to-day bookkeeping but will provide strategic financial oversight and support as required.

Key responsibilities:

1. Provide strategic oversight of the charity’s financial affairs.

2. Monitor the charity’s financial performance and long-term sustainability.

3. Review management accounts, budgets and financial forecasts.

4. Help ensure appropriate financial controls, policies and risk management processes are in place.

5. Present financial information to the Board in a clear and accessible manner when required.

6. Support the preparation and approval of the annual accounts and liaise with the charity’s independent examiner or auditors as required.

7. Use expertise to support and guide the charity’s Finance Team, as required.

8. Ensure the charity complies with all relevant financial, legal and regulatory requirements.

9. Advise the Board on financial implications of strategic decisions and major projects.

10. Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees to support effective governance.

11. Act as an ambassador for WECare Worldwide and promote the charity’s mission and values.

Key Attributes:

Essential:

• A genuine passion for animal welfare and the mission of WECare Worldwide.
• Accountancy or finance qualifications or significant professional finance or accountancy experience.
• An understanding of financial management, budgeting and financial reporting.
• Ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Good strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• Commitment to good governance and the responsibilities of charity Trustees.
• Strong integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaborative working skills.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a charity Trustee or Treasurer.
• Knowledge of Charity Commission regulations and charity finance.
• Experience of financial risk management.
• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• An overview understanding of fundraising or grant-funded organisations.

Time Commitment:

At WECare, we understand that being a Trustee is a voluntary role and we are conscious of, and grateful for, the valuable time our Trustees give. We are an active Board, and anticipate a realistic time commitment of around 4 to 8 hours per month.

• Attendance at regular Board meetings (typically held online) with a minimum of 4 meetings per year.
• Attendance at the Annual General Meeting.
• Reasonable preparation time for Board papers and financial reports.
• Occasional additional meetings with the Chair or senior management as required.

In exchange for your time and commitment, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of street dogs, the chance to use your professional expertise to support an ambitious international charity, experience contributing at Board level within an energetic, dynamic and growing charity and working alongside a passionate and committed team dedicated to improving animal welfare.

Remuneration:

• This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee position.
• Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in carrying out Trustee duties will be reimbursed in accordance with the charity’s expenses policy.

Could your experience, curiosity and fresh perspective help shape the future of a local school?

Hart Plain Junior School is looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join our governing board.  You do not need to work in education or have previous governance experience.  We are interested in people who care about children’s education, can consider issues thoughtfully and are willing to ask constructive questions.

School governors play an important strategic role.  Working as a team, our governors help ensure that the school has a clear direction, provides the best possible education for every pupil and uses its resources effectively.

What will you do?

As a governor, you will help the governing board to:

• Shape the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Support and constructively challenge school leaders
• Monitor pupils’ educational performance and wellbeing
• Help ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can access a high-quality education
• Oversee the school’s finances and ensure public money is used effectively
• Review policies and monitor the school’s compliance with its statutory responsibilities
• Represent the interests of pupils and the wider school community
• Contribute to important decisions about the school’s future

Governors do not become involved in the school’s day-to-day management.  Their role is to look at the bigger picture, test the evidence presented to them and provide both support and appropriate challenge.

Who are we looking for?

You do not need to be a parent or an education specialist.  We welcome people from different professional and personal backgrounds who can bring new ideas, experiences and perspectives to the board.

Experience in areas such as finance, HR, leadership, data, risk management, law, marketing, communications, community engagement or education would be valuable, but it is not essential.  Your judgement, commitment and willingness to learn are just as important.

What will you gain?

Becoming a governor is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children and families in your local community.  It can also help you develop valuable experience in:

• Strategic planning and decision-making
• Board-level governance
• Leadership, challenge and accountability
• Financial oversight
• Data analysis
• Communication and teamwork

You will receive training and support to help you understand the role and contribute confidently.

What is the commitment?

The role is voluntary, and the usual term of office is four years.  Governors are expected to:

· Attend at least 6 full governing board meetings each year - meetings are normally held in person at the school on Thursday evenings 1730-1930.

• Read meeting papers and prepare questions in advance
• Undertake relevant governor training
• Visit the school during the working day approximately 2-3 times each year

Interested?

You do not need to know everything about school governance before applying.  If you are curious, community-minded and willing to contribute your time and experience, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To arrange an informal conversation or request further information, please get in touch.

Hart Plain Junior School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.  We are committed to building a governing board that reflects the diversity of our pupils and wider community.

Who are Boards for Education?

Boards for Education operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Boards for Education recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Boards for Education isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

The opportunity

The Finance and Audit Committee (FAC) provides BIICL’s Board of Trustees with oversight and assurance on our finances, controls, investments, and audit. We're looking for a chartered accountant or senior finance leader to chair the Committee and join our Board of Trustees at a pivotal moment: a new Director and CEO, a new Director of Operations in post, and a new strategy launching in 2027. You'll bring real technical credibility and the judgement to translate financial detail into confidence for a Board whose backgrounds are mostly legal and academic. In return, you'll help shape the next chapter of one of the world's most respected independent legal institutes.

The current Chair’s term ends in December 2026. We are seeking a successor to join in October, allowing time for handover and induction ahead of the November FAC meeting and the December Board meeting.

Purpose of the role

The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee provides strategic, non-executive financial oversight rather than day-to-day accounting.

As a trustee, you hold joint legal and fiduciary responsibility for the charity’s overall governance, strategic direction and financial health.

As Committee Chair, you will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Director and Chief Executive and the Director of Operations, ensuring that BIICL’s income is robustly governed, financial risks are mitigated, and resources are deployed optimally to deliver maximum social impact. BIICL outsources financial management to a specialist non-profit accountancy firm, overseen internally by the Director of Operations; you’ll evaluate how well that arrangement is working and recommend change if needed. 

Key responsibilities

Strategic financial oversight

· Budgetary scrutiny: oversee the annual £2.5m operational budget and financial forecasts provided by the executive team.

· Performance monitoring: review quarterly management accounts, analysing variances, cash flow health, and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs).

· Reserves management: champion the regular review of a robust Reserves Policy to safeguard the charity against sudden funding fluctuations.

· Investment assets: oversee the performance of the charity’s cash reserves and any investment portfolios, ensuring alignment with ethical investment strategies.

Audit, risk and internal controls

· Statutory reporting: lead the FAC in reviewing the Annual Report and Accounts, ensuring compliance with Charity SORP FRS102 and statutory filing deadlines.

· External audit: manage the relationship with the External Auditor, leading on the tender process and reviewing the post-audit management letter.

· Risk mitigation: oversee the financial section of the organisation’s risk register, ensuring internal controls are sufficient to prevent fraud and compliance failures across complex funding streams, and ensure FAC oversight of the wider Risk Register.

· Fiscal compliance: monitor compliance with complex tax regimes relevant to this scale, including VAT, Gift Aid, and trading subsidiary operations (as applicable).

Committee leadership and Board reporting

· Meeting governance: set the agenda and chair quarterly FAC meetings, fostering an environment of collaboration, constructive, and high-quality challenge.

· Board communication: report clearly to the full Board of Trustees, translating complex financial positions into strategic insights for non-financial board members.

Statutory trustee duties

· Legal compliance: ensure the charity complies with charity law, company law, and all other relevant legislation or regulation.

· Strategic direction: contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in setting the charity’s overarching vision, mission, values, and strategic goals.

· Asset protection: act as a responsible custodian of the charity’s assets, ensuring funds are spent solely in furtherance of its charitable objectives.

· Effective governance: attend and actively participate in full quarterly Board meetings, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and strategic away days.

· Collective decision-making: maintain the principle of collective board responsibility, upholding and supporting decisions made by the wider board.

Legal and regulatory frameworks

The postholder is required to understand, uphold, and apply the following core regulatory frameworks:

· The 6 Essential Trustee Duties (Charity Commission Guidance CC3): You share collective legal liability to ensure the charity carries out its purpose for the public benefit, complies with its governing document, acts in the charity's best interests, manages resources responsibly, acts with reasonable care and skill, and remains fully accountable.

· Financial Reporting Standards 102 and the Charities SORP: Because our annual income exceeds £250,000, the accounts must be compiled under the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP), transparently separating restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds.

· The Charity Governance Code: Our Board intends to benchmark itself against this code. You will directly champion Principle 5 (Board Effectiveness) and Principle 6 (Risk and Control) to ensure internal controls are regularly evaluated.

Person specification

Experience and qualifications

· Financial qualification: chartered status (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) is essential.

· Senior leadership: proven experience operating as a CFO, Finance Director, or partner in a professional services practice in an organisation of similar or larger scale.

· Sector expertise: strong working knowledge of Charity SORP, restricted and unrestricted funding, and UK charity law is highly desirable.

· Governance background: previous experience as a trustee, non-executive director, or committee member is advantageous.  

Core skills and attributes

· Strategic clarity: ability to look past the numbers to see systematic risks and strategic opportunities.  

· Collaborative challenge: ability to robustly hold senior staff and third-party advisors to account while maintaining a supportive, professional working relationship.

· Communication: ability to explain intricate financial matters plainly to non-financial audiences.

· Commitment to the cause: a demonstrable passion for the charity’s core mission and alignment with its values. 

Terms of appointment

Term:

Trustee appointments are for a three-year term, renewable for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Time commitment:

Trustees are required to commit approximately 8-10 days per year. There are four board meetings, four FAC meetings per year, a strategy day, plus approx. 2-3 hours per month for executive consultation. 

Location:

London/Hybrid – FAC meetings usually take place online; Board meetings and strategic away days are in-person, usually at our London office.

Remuneration:

This is a voluntary role and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration; however, all reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Reporting to:

Board of Trustees / Chair of the Board

How to apply

To apply formally, please submit a CV and supporting statement, each no more than two sides of A4, clearly outlining your suitability for the role against the criteria in the person specification and your motivation for applying.

Please include your home address, contact email, and mobile number.

We aim to acknowledge receipt within 2-3 days.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect to interview candidates from mid-September with a view to appointing by the end of October.

For further information about the role or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Tom Asher, Director of Operations

Who are Boards for Education?

Boards for Education operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Boards for Education recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Boards for Education isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is looking for a trustee to act as secretary, supporting the board's governance role helping AFRIL deliver for refugees and vulnerable migrants in south-east London. Time commitment is flexible, and not onerous, and formal company secretary functions are supported by a member of staff.

AFRIL was founded in 2006 to support asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants and refugees in south-east London to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. Our support is holistic: both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes that tackle the underlying problems that lead to crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. We work in the community across south-east London, including in local asylum hotels.

We are a small charity, with mostly part-time staff, but we make a significant difference. Our client group is predominantly people in, or with experience of, the asylum system. We also support newly granted refugees, and migrants with no recourse to public funds who have complex and unmet protection needs.

AFRIL's board of trustees is collectively responsible for supporting and challenging the charity to oversee its good governance and proper financial control in line with its charitable aims and strategic plan, charity law, and all other relevant legislation. The time required of trustees is not onerous, and is flexible - although it is, of course, possible to take on more responsibility and expand your time commitment.

As a board member, you will be expected to be available for board meetings approximately every two months, which are generally an hour and a half long and take place in a weekday evening. These mostly take place online, with occasional hybrid meetings or meetings in-person.

As secretary to the board, you will be responsible for the timetabling of meetings, the agenda, and for taking and sharing a minute of board meetings – just main points and actions – to support the board in carrying out our remit. You may also assist with other areas of support to the governance for the charity, such as ensuring that we maintain regular review of the organisation’s policies, and providing some assistance from time to time to the member of staff leading on liaison with the Charity Commission and Companies House.

You will also need to be able to commit some ad hoc time to consider papers ahead of meetings, and occasionally to take part in email discussion on issues as they arise. You would also be expected to attend the charity’s AGM, which tends to take place on a Saturday afternoon in January/February.

We value diversity in our trustee team, as we do in the staff team. We particularly welcome applications from anyone who can bring lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, and are always keen to see applications from people with experience with fundraising, or with HR. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

To apply, please submit a short (no more than one side of A4) letter explaining why you would like to join AFRIL’s board, and what skills and experience you would bring to the role, along with your CV.