Governance volunteer volunteer roles

We are seeking an inspirational Chair of Trustees and a Vice Chair to lead Studio Upstairs into its next exciting chapter.

This pivotal role requires integrity, compassion, and strategic vision to ensure our much-loved arts and mental health charity fulfils its charitable objectives, maintains the highest standards of governance, and continues to thrive as a respected and trusted organisation.

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role by steering and supporting the charity development. 

We are seeking to appoint a Chair,Vice Chair or initially to join the board as a Trustee.. The Studio Upstairs Board is drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and has a variety of skills. To complement the current Board, we would envisage that the Chair had a wide experience of running organisations and a particular interest in the charity sector. We are keen to hear from candidates with skills in the areas of Corporate Governance and Business Development ie: Charity Financial Management, Partnership working or Fundraising as well as those within Digital Technologies, Health or Legal expertise.

Studio Upstairs exists to transform lives through creativity. We have branches in Bristol and London. We are a trusted arts and mental health charity offering open studios and a creative community. We help people overcome challenges through therapeutic art practice and supportive peer interaction.

In addition to the full board meetings  there may be occasional committee meetings or meetings of specific task groups. It is expected that the Chair will also maintain regular contact with the Managing Director and other Board members.

The Board Meetings are to be held four to six times a year in London (currently online). 

A clear empathy with the aims of the charity are essential. You can find out more about our work on our website. 

The shortlisted candidates will be offered an opportunity to discuss the role informally prior to an interview. 

Voluntary Interim Charity Manager

Women on the Frontline Ministries (WOFM)

Hybrid  ·  East London / Flexible Working  ·  Volunteer Leadership Opportunity

Approx. 20 hours per week (flexible)  |  Min 6 month commitment preferred

Lead with compassion. Shape the future. Help transform lives.

Women on the Frontline Ministries (WOFM) is a Christian charity supporting women affected by sexual exploitation, trauma, isolation, abuse and vulnerability through outreach, advocacy, practical support and relationship-based care.

For many years, WOFM has built trusted relationships within local communities across East London, working alongside churches, frontline organisations and partner agencies to provide compassionate, non-judgemental support to women facing complex challenges.

We are now seeking a values-driven and collaborative Volunteer Charity Manager to help lead the organisation into its next season of growth, sustainability and impact.

About the Role

The Volunteer Charity Manager will provide overall leadership, coordination and operational oversight for the charity, working closely with the Board of Trustees, staff team and volunteers to strengthen the delivery of WOFM’s mission and future development.

This is a varied leadership role combining strategic coordination, relationship management, community engagement and operational oversight within a grassroots charity environment.

The successful candidate will not be working alone. The organisation currently includes:

• a part-time Women’s Support Worker

• a part-time Social Media Lead

• a dedicated team of volunteer Outreach Assistants

• an active and supportive Board of Trustees committed to working closely alongside the Manager

The Board is seeking a self-starting individual who works well independently and is committed to supporting the successful candidate with a sustainable organisational structure as the charity continues to grow and develop.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Coordination

• Provide overall coordination and day-to-day leadership across the charity’s outreach programmes and activities

• Oversee the effective delivery of operational priorities, outreach services and community engagement initiatives

• Maintain and strengthen effective systems, administration and organisational processes

• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers and trustees to ensure services are delivered safely, compassionately and effectively

Team Leadership & Volunteer Coordination

• Encourage, coordinate and develop staff and volunteers across the organisation

• Oversee volunteer communication, engagement and rota coordination

• Contribute to recruitment, onboarding and ongoing team development

• Foster a collaborative, values-led and supportive organisational culture

Safeguarding & Community Engagement

• Promote good safeguarding practice and help ensure safeguarding responsibilities are managed appropriately

• Build strong working relationships with local organisations, churches and support agencies

• Contribute to advocacy, signposting and practical support activities where appropriate

Partnerships & Representation

• Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners, churches, local organisations and stakeholders

• Represent WOFM at meetings, networking opportunities and community events

• Champion awareness of the charity’s mission, impact and future vision

Governance, Sustainability & Development

• Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to support the strategic direction of the organisation

• Prepare updates and reports for trustee meetings where required

• Contribute to fundraising activities, funding applications and sustainability planning

• Help strengthen the long-term development and operational capacity of the charity

About You

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, organised and able to lead with empathy, wisdom and good judgement.

You may have experience within:

• charity leadership or voluntary sector management

• community outreach or social impact work

• ministry or faith-based leadership

• safeguarding or support services

• operations, programme or project coordination

• volunteer management or partnership working

We also welcome applications from individuals with transferable leadership experience and a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable women and strengthening communities.

Note: This role is open to female applicants only, as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The successful candidate is required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Skills & Qualities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to lead, coordinate and motivate others

• Organised with strong administrative and leadership abilities

• Emotionally resilient with sound judgement and professional boundaries

• Collaborative and able to work independently when required

• Comfortable using email, spreadsheets and online communication platforms

• Understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding principles

• Alignment with the values and compassionate ethos of the organisation

Time Commitment & Availability

This is a flexible volunteer leadership role of approximately 20 hours per week, which we are happy to shape around the right person’s other commitments. We would suggest thinking of it as roughly 4 hours a day across a typical working week but how those hours are arranged is genuinely negotiable, and we are open to discussing an arrangement that works for you.

The role is hybrid, combining:

• remote and flexible working from home

• attendance at outreach activities, particularly on Wednesday afternoons for daytime drop-in sessions and Friday evenings for evening outreach

• meetings and occasional events in East London (typically evenings and occasional weekends)

• trustee and board meetings on a regular scheduled cycle

Reasonable, pre-agreed out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred in carrying out the role (for example, travel) will be reimbursed. Ideally, we are seeking someone able to commit to the role for a minimum of 6 months to support continuity and sustainable growth.

Support & Future Development

The successful candidate will work alongside a committed Board of Trustees, staff team and volunteers who are passionate about the mission of the charity.

While this is currently a voluntary role, the Board is actively working to secure funding with the aim of creating paid leadership and operational roles in the future. We cannot guarantee if or when such funding will be confirmed, and any future paid appointment would be made through a fair and open recruitment process. That said, someone who grows with WOFM and comes to know the organisation well would be well placed to be considered as those opportunities arise.

The organisation is continuing to strengthen its operational foundations and develop sustainable structures to support long-term impact within the community.

Why Join WOFM?

This is an opportunity to:

• make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable women

• help shape the future direction of a growing grassroots charity

• work alongside a passionate and committed team

• contribute to a mission rooted in compassion, dignity, faith and hope

• build sustainable impact within local communities

• grow with an organisation that is actively working towards funded leadership roles

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees – someone who will work closely with our Executive Team and Board to guide the organisation through what is both a challenging and genuinely exciting time. The funding environment is tough. The political context is difficult. And yet the need for what we do has never been greater.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, well-established, national charity as it navigates the next chapter of its story.

Main tasks

• Developing and setting our future strategy, alongside the Executive Team and other Trustees
• Helping shape and deliver our future, identifying opportunities in an evolving landscape
• Leading the Board of Trustees, including regular 1:1s and providing space for reflection
• Acting as a 'critical friend' to our Executive Team, as well as formal line management to the CEO (and COO in their absence)
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity – raising awareness of what we do and engaging potential supporters and other key stakeholders
• Responsibility, along with the other trustees, for the governance of the charity
• Contributing to the ongoing strategy of the charity, in line with our charitable objectives
• Participating in board meetings and sub-committees in an inclusive and thoughtful way

Please download our Chair Application Pack for more information.

Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools 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.

Governors for Schools 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

Governors for Schools 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.

Do you want to use your professional skills and lived experiences to help grassroots sports clubs and community groups impact their communities through sport and physical activity?

Sported's Volunteer Consultants lend their professional or lived experience to help make grassroots sports clubs and community groups more resilient, impactful and effective with skills and experiences our groups don’t currently have.

Seeking volunteers with experience in:

• Business & Strategic Planning
• Facilities Management & Asset Transfer
• Financial Management
• Fundraising & Income Generation
• Governance
• Evaluation & Impact Measurement
• Trust and Foundation Fundraising

This is not an exhaustive list and many of our groups simply benefit from having an experience, external voice to use as a sounding board to help improve the way they run.

If you have something you want to offer and a passion to help local clubs and groups unleash grassroots sport, then we'd love for you to join our team.

​Make a Difference. Shape Futures. Join Us as a Co-opted Governor!

Are you ready to play a vital role in shaping the future of young people in your community? The Special Partnership Trust is looking for passionate, committed individuals to join our Local Governing Bodies at:

• Pencalenick
• Nancealverne
• Doubletrees

This is your opportunity to bring your voice, skills, and perspective to a role that truly matters.

What You’ll Do

As a Co-opted Governor, you’ll be part of a team that makes a real impact by:

• Helping set the strategic direction of the school
• Supporting and constructively challenging school leaders
• Contributing your unique experience to strengthen governance

Your Focus Will Be On

• Pupil and staff wellbeing
• The quality of education and school provision
• Pupil progress and outcomes
• The school’s role within the local community

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Care deeply about education and making a difference
• Share our values and commitment to inclusion
• Are willing to engage in meetings and ongoing training

No prior governance experience is required—just enthusiasm and commitment.

Time Commitment

• Around 3 meetings per year (one per term, ~2 hours each)
• 1 Governor Development Day annually
• Safeguarding training (statutory requirement)
• 1 school visit per term

�� Why Join Us?

• Make a lasting impact on children and young people
• Develop new skills and gain governance experience
• Work alongside a supportive, purpose-driven team

�� Get Involved

Interested? We’d love to hear from you.

To express your interest, please complete the application form on My New Term via our website.

Safeguarding:

The Special Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All volunteer roles are subject to the satisfactory completion of checks and references, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In accordance with guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education; the Trust will undertake an online search of all candidates.

Do you want to use your professional skills and lived experiences to help grassroots sports clubs and community groups impact their communities through sport and physical activity?

Sported's Volunteer Consultants lend their professional or lived experience to help make grassroots sports clubs and community groups more resilient, impactful and effective with skills and experiences our groups don’t currently have.

Seeking volunteers with experience in:

• Business & Strategic Planning
• Facilities Management & Asset Transfer
• Financial Management
• Fundraising & Income Generation
• Governance
• Evaluation & Impact Measurement
• Trust and Foundation Fundraising

This is not an exhaustive list and many of our groups simply benefit from having an experience, external voice to use as a sounding board to help improve the way they run.

If you have something you want to offer and a passion to help local clubs and groups unleash grassroots sport, then we'd love for you to join our team.

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools 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.

Governors for Schools 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

Governors for Schools 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.

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose. 

As part of our new three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

We’re looking for dedicated Volunteer college governors to help shape and champion the future of Sense Colleges.

About the role: 

As a College Governor, you’ll play a vital non-executive role in ensuring our colleges continue to deliver excellent, inclusive education. You’ll help set the strategic direction, monitor performance, and provide independent oversight and support to senior leaders.

Key responsibilities: 

• Help guide the college’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against key priorities and quality improvement plans.
• Hold leaders to account for performance and outcomes that meet the needs of learners.
• Ensure the college complies with statutory and safeguarding duties.
• Oversee financial health and value for money.
• Review students’ progress through visits, reports, and case studies.
• Join one of our sub-committees — either Quality and Curriculum or Safeguarding and Health & Safety — depending on your skills and interests.

This is a meaningful opportunity to influence the education and support of young disabled people, while developing your own governance experience and leadership skills.

About you

This role would be a great fit if you:

• Are passionate about Sense’s mission to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Understand (or are keen to learn about) good governance and the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Have an interest in education, further education policy, or organisational leadership.
• Are committed to safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Can dedicate around one day per month to attending meetings, undertaking training, and reviewing key documents.
• Have experience as a trustee, governor, or within education, health, or social care (desirable, but not essential).

Benefits

• Comprehensive induction and safeguarding training, plus ongoing development.
• Expenses reimbursed in line with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
• A meaningful opportunity to use your skills for good – shaping positive futures for young people.
• Experience that enhances your governance, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• The satisfaction of giving back and being part of a values-driven community.
• Wellbeing support through Sense’s Mental Health First Aiders.

Important information

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have a UK address.
• An Enhanced DBS check is a legal requirement for this role due to the educational setting and the likelihood of regular contact with learners.
• Guidance and support will be provided throughout the DBS process.
• All volunteers must follow Sense’s policies, including those on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, and Data Protection (GDPR).
• This role is voluntary and does not form part of an employment contract.

Ready to make an impact?

Join Sense as a College Governor and help shape a world where everyone is included.

Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools 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.

Governors for Schools 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

Governors for Schools 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.

We are honoured to be supporting the wonderful Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People to recruit a new Chair of the Board.

Rainbows Hospice for Children & Young People is based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, and is the only Hospice across the East Midlands that delivers a comprehensive range of support services, nursing and care for babies, children and young people with life threatening and life limiting conditions and their families.

We are seeking an outstanding Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the Chief Executive in ensuring the hospice’s strategic direction, governance, and long-term sustainability.
 

Purpose of the Role

The Chair provides leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight, and strong support and challenge to the executive team. The Chair also works with the executive team to develop external relationships.
 

Leadership & Governance

• Provide clear leadership to the Board, ensuring it operates effectively and in line with charity governance standards and the Charity Commission’s expectations.
• Ensure the Board fulfils its duties to safeguard the organisation’s mission, assets, reputation, and beneficiaries.
• Lead on Board development, ensuring a high-performing, diverse, and properly skilled Board of Trustees.
• Work closely with the Vice Chair and Committee Chairs to ensure committee structures function efficiently.
 

Strategic Oversight

• Work with the Board and Chief Executive to set the organisation’s long-term vision, strategic objectives, and measurable success indicators.
• Ensure appropriate strategic oversight of clinical services, safeguarding, quality frameworks, finance, and fundraising.
• Support robust risk management processes and long-term financial planning.

Relationship with the Chief Executive

• Develop a strong, constructive, and supportive relationship with the Chief Executive.
• Provide regular guidance, support, and challenge as needed.
• Undertake the Chief Executive’s annual appraisal and support their personal development.

External Representation

• Represent the hospice at key events, meetings, and media opportunities where appropriate.
• To represent the charity at meeting with key supporters or potential supporters, supporting our fundraising activities.

Board Meetings & Governance Processes

• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring inclusive debate, timely decisions, and high-quality governance practice.
• Ensure trustees receive accurate, timely, and relevant information to support informed decision making.
• Oversee governance policies, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
 

Application

The best Boards are diverse, with people who have a real understanding of the needs to be met and others who have specific skills and knowledge that can complement that. Rainbows supports babies, children, young people and their families from many multi cultural and multi-ethnic communities across the East Midlands. We welcome applications reflective of the region and rich diversity of the communities we serve.

For more information, please download the job pack attached above.

The closing date is Monday 15th June 2026

Valued Recruitment is working exclusively with Rainbows. We are an ethical recruitment company, intent on hiring inclusively and transparently.

Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at Valued Recruitment and at Rainbows. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know. No question or request is too big or too small. We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.

​Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools 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.

Governors for Schools 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

Governors for Schools 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.

This is an exciting time to lead Age UK Stockport’s Board. To be the Chair of Age UK Stockport is to be an active volunteer in our community. But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but it will be rewarding.

Our Board has recently been refreshed after the recruitment of three new trustees who, alongside our established trustees, complete the Board membership.

Our current Chair will be standing down later this year having served the maximum term for the role. We are looking for a dedicated, creative person, with a range of appropriate professional and life experiences to become our next Chair. They will have the interest and commitment to lead and drive forward the development of Age UK Stockport in line with our core values – to be Connected, Confident and Creative.

The successful candidate would join the Board as trustee and Chair Designate and then be elected Chair at the AGM in the autumn of 2026.

The Chair leads the Board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively. You will support the Board to work together well and will manage and support the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity. 

Main responsibilities of the Chair

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring effective governance and accountability
• Work in partnership with trustees, the Chief Executive and staff / volunteer team to achieve Age UK Stockport’s mission, vision and objectives
• Plan and chair the Board meetings and the AGM working with others to achieve this
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Age UK Stockport
• Ensure Board meetings are properly run and recorded
• Represent Age UK Stockport externally, helping, with others, to build partnerships with funders, local / regional authorities, and community organisations
• With others, ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for people in later life
• Recognise and make best use of trustees’ skills and experience
• Line manage the Chief Executive on behalf of the trustees